THE DANCING BAROQUE

In the wake of Easter we invite you to a church concert in the world of the Baroque, where the music sparkles with dance, theatre and courtly elegance. From Dowland's seven heartbreaking "tears" in Lachrimae, via Holborne and Purcell's English court dances and Handel's refined seventh concerto grosso, to Rameau's colourful opera scenes, we meet a kaleidoscope of character dances, moods and good stories. There is more tambourine and stirring rhythm than brocade coats and patent shoes on the programme when OS, under the leadership of the charismatic Norwegian Baroque violinist Bjarte Eike, offers music so invigorating and bubbling with zest for life that it will be hard to sit still in the church pews. Perhaps there will even be room for a little folk-style singalong along the way? Programme: H. Purcell: Excerpts from The Old Bachelor G.F. Handel: Concerto Grosso No. 7 J.F. Rebel: Les caractères de la danse J. Dowland: Lachrimae J. Ph. Rameau: Suite from various operas A. Holborne: Muy Linda + Wallom Green (trad. English) H. Purcell: Curtain tune + Fairy Shuffle H. Purcell: Fantasia in C for strings H. Purcell: Chaconne from King Arthur

• Dirigent: Bjarte Eikeviolin

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