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‘Tis nature’s voice: Les Élémens

Academy of Ancient Music

,Milton Court Concert Hall
Photo of a frog on a tree trunk

Cuckoos, nightingales, flood tides and a big bang, as Laurence Cummings conducts the Academy of Ancient Music in a virtuosic celebration of nature and music – baroque style. 

For the composers of the 18th century, nature wasn’t an optional extra: it was an everyday reality. So of course, it found its way into their music too, and this delightful concert finds frogs and toads invading a concerto, wind instruments turning into songbirds (both caged and wild) and composers in Venice and Hamburg putting to sea on the tides of harmony. 

In short, all of nature is here, in music that’s alternately playful, touching and elemental in its ingenuity and power. Laurence Cummings directs soloists from within the AAM, and begins with arguably the most astonishing natural wonder in all baroque music: the ear-tingling chaos with which Jean-Féry Rebel opens his suite Les Élémens. Music that was ahead of its time then – and more timely than ever today. 

Tagged with: Classical music AAM 2022-23 Academy of Ancient Music

This performance will end at approximately 9.30pm, including an interval.

Programme

  • Jean-Féry Rebel   Les Élémens
  • Georg Philipp Telemann   Violin Concerto in A Major, The Toad
  • Antonio Vivaldi   Flute Concerto in D Major, The Goldfinch
  •   Violin Concerto in E-flat Major, The Storm at Sea
  • George Frideric Handel   Organ Concerto in F Major, ‘The Cuckoo and the Nightingale’
  • Georg Philipp Telemann   Overture in C Major, Ebb and Flow

Performers

  • Academy of Ancient Music  
  • Laurence Cummings   director & harpsichord

Digital Programme

Download the free digital programme via the AAM website here. Physical programmes will be available for purchase at the concert.

Pre-concert talk

6.30pm, Milton Court Concert Hall

Free

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Milton Court Concert Hall

Location
Milton Court Concert Hall is located within the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and is approximately a 5 minute walk from the Barbican entrance on Silk Street.  

Address
Milton Court
Silk St, London
EC2Y 9BH

Nearby public transport
We are within walking distance from a number of London Underground stations, the closest being Barbican, Old Street, St Paul’s and Moorgate. The nearest train stations are Liverpool Street and Farringdon. Bus Route 153 runs directly past the Barbican along Chiswell Street

Car and bicycle parking
We have free bicycle spaces and paid car parking spaces available