Musicke in the Ayre – Silver Sounds of the Roman Seicento

A delightful programme of early Baroque music from Rome, with the voices of Maria Danishvar, Jane Hunt and Philippa Neaverson soaring over Din Ghani’s archlute and baroque guitar in a happy hour of music that is intimate, expressive, and full of character — music that feels surprisingly direct, even four hundred years on.

Musicke in the Ayre’s contribution to the Festival’s 25th Anniversary features music by Rossi, Carissimi, Landi and Kapsberger – oustanding composers associated with Rome and the powerful Papal dynasties whose patronage enabled the flowering of such talent and creativity. This was a time when composers began to experiment with ways of affecting the listener, of touching the heart, and lifting the spirit.

Din Ghani formed Musicke in the Ayre fifteen years ago as a vehicle for exploring and performing the wonderful and extensive repertoire for voice and plucked string from the 16th and 17th centuries across Europe. He has been fortunate enough to work with a team of keen singers who share his enthusiam for this music; together they have benefited from coaching and encouragement from Dame Emma Kirkby, Evelyn Tubb, Michael Fields and the late David Miller, among others. They have given over 190 performances across the UK and on the Continent. Maria, Jane and Philippa are well-known locally as solo and choral singers; they have been key members of the team for over a decade.

As well as researching, designing and directing all their programmes, Din has also built most of the instruments he uses, including the two used in this concert.

This event is part of Frome Festival.