Musicke in the Ayre Concert

From cloister to court: music by women composers in the early period

Musicke in the Ayre return to St Mary’s in September with a programme covering 5 centuries of compositions by women, beginning with the 12^th century Abbess, Hildegard von Bingen. The early church provided musically-gifted women a secure environment in which to receive musical training and to apply their talents: in the 17^th century this allowed women like Isabella Leonarda, Chiara Cozzolani and Lucretia Vizzana to make their mark. By that stage, patronage from the noble courts – particularly in Italy – made it possible for a few outstanding women to establish themselves as composers outside the church. In Florence in1607, the Medici court employed the young Francesca Caccini as their leading musician; she published a book of secular and sacred songs in 1618. A generation later in Venice, Barbara Strozzi published 8 books, dedicated to a variety of patrons.

The concert features a contrasting set of sacred and secular pieces by these special women, sung by a new grouping of Musicke in the Ayre’s singing team: locally-based Jane Hunt is joined by Carmel Edwards from Derbyshire and Alice Simmons from Marlborough. They’ll be accompanied as usual by Din Ghani on various lutes and baroque guitar.

In the Church Hall, 20^th September, 3 – 4pm.

Refreshments available before and after the concert.

Tickets £12 at the door, online booking details to be confirmed.