Laudonia, Scotland's Dynamic Baroque Ensemble, and award-winning soprano Susan Hamilton are embarking on a six-concert tour from London to Inverness, celebrating the musical journey of Sir John Clerk of Penicuik. Austrian musician Martin Patscheider will be joining all live performances on the trumpet.
Clerk, a significant figure in Scottish history, made a Grand Tour through Europe in the 1690s, and this unique program for soprano, trumpet, strings, and bass continuo brings to life the music he may have heard on his travels. Featuring works by composers Clerk met and studied with, including his emotional cantata Leo Scotiae Irritatus, Corelli's passionate violin sonata in D minor La Follia, and Rosenmüller's ethereal concerto for voice, trumpet, and strings O Felicissimus Paradysi, this project highlights how Clerk's journey through Europe influenced some of the best music of its time to come out of Scotland. Despite a fire that destroyed much of Clerk's musical output, his surviving five vocal cantatas are a testament to his talent as a composer, making this tour a celebration of his musical legacy.
Laudonia brings together some of the leading exponents in the field of baroque music. Founded by Scottish soprano Susan Hamilton and the Austrian impresario Christoph Crepaz, Laudonia was born out of a passion to raise the standard of music. To bring it back to its glory days. To go back over 400 years. To create a future for music and musicians that will be celebrated for generations. Through performances, masterclasses and workshops Laudonia's ambition is to bring early music and new music to those who already enjoy it and reach out to a new audience and let them experience this time in music that has been celebrated and enjoyed for centuries.
THE GRAND TOUR 2023
01 September, 9:30 – 21:30
Melrose, Holy Trinity, 20 High Cross Ave, Melrose TD6 9SU, UK
02 September, 19:30 – 21:30
Edinburgh, St Cecilia’s Hall, 50 Niddry St, Edinburgh EH1 1LG, UK
03 September, 19:30 – 21:30
Dunkeld, Cathedral, 10 Cathedral St, Dunkeld PH8 0AW, UK
05 September, 19:30 – 21:30
Inverness, Cathedral, Ardross St, Inverness IV3 5NN, UK
06 September, 19:30 – 21:30
Aberdeen, Queen’s Cross Church, Albyn Pl, Aberdeen AB10 1YN, UK
08 September, 19:30 – 21:30
London, St Mary Abbots Church Kensington, Kensington Church St, London W8 4LA, UK
For more info & tickets, click here.
