Les Femmes Illustres

Taking place on Thursday afternoons at 2pm, the inaugural Early Music Series showcases a series of solo recitals and ensembles from across the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

The third recital in the series presents The Portrait Players and their programme 'Les Femmes Illustres'. A programme showcasing the brilliant and bold 17th century female creatives.

Programme

HONORÉ D'AMBRUIS (1660-1702)
Le doux silence de nos bois

SÉBASTIEN LE CAMUS (1610-1677)
Délices des étés

MICHEL LAMBERT (1610-1696)
Laissez-moi soupirer

HENRY PURCELL (1659-1695)
O let me weep
From rosy bowers

The Portrait Players

Described as 'beguiling', The Portrait Players formed at the end of 2022 for a concert of Handel’s Cantatas and German Arias. Featuring Claire Ward (soprano), Kristiina Watt (theorbo/lute) and Miriam Nohl (cello/viola da gamba), the trio brings 17th and 18th century repertoire to modern audiences with engaging programmes, informed by historical characters.

Since forming, the ensemble have quickly established a busy schedule of performances across the country. In autumn 2023, they made their debut at St. Martin-in-the-fields, in a recital hosted by City Music Foundation. They performed at Brighton Early Music Festival in October 2023 and collaborated with Opera Prelude for two projects in London and Henley. Further concerts include performances in Greenwich, Barts’ Great Hall in the City of London, The Workshop Series Lewes, and University College Oxford.

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