Here you find details of the programmes and concepts which can be booked for a single concert or series of concerts, either solo or together with various ensembles. If you are interested in booking a particular programme, please send a message via the contact form and Sarah will contact you. If you are interested in booking a concert with any of the ensembles Sarah plays with, including those not listed here, you can also send a message via the contact page and Sarah will put you in touch with the managers of those ensembles. Links to the external websites of the specific ensembles which a programme listed here requires can be found on the ensembles page.
Programmes can also be tailor-made for a specific event or festival. Please use the contact form if you would like to discuss a potential concert.
Solo Programmes
A Feast of Strings
"Music spanning 7 centuries, and more than 100 strings"
A Feast of Strings transports the listener through time, with instrumental songs and dances performed on historical harps. A magical exploration of the gothic and Baroque harps, from composers such as Dufay and Lockeville to Bach and Handel, bringing the historical instrument into the 21st century with traditional and folk arrangements.
A Feast of Strings transports the listener through time, with instrumental songs and dances performed on historical harps. A magical exploration of the gothic and Baroque harps, from composers such as Dufay and Lockeville to Bach and Handel, bringing the historical instrument into the 21st century with traditional and folk arrangements.
Heart's Ease
"Music from the time of Shakespeare"
Heart’s Ease takes the listener on a musical journey through different countries in the time of William Shakespeare. We begin in England, with the music of John Dowland and John Bull. The contemporary English poet, Richard Barnfield who had a close relationship with Shakespeare and is said by some to have been his rival, mentioned Dowland his sonnet If music and sweet poetry agree, which was previously attributed to Shakespeare. John Bull was not only a keyboardist but also an organ builder. Born in England, we can follow him to him to where he died, in Antwerp, which leads us to the music of the Low Countries.
During this period the Low Countries were in upheaval, firstly with a rebellion against Philip II of Spain, leading to the 30 years war, and secondly with a war against the English which did not end until 1604, one year after the death of Queen Elizabeth I. Sweelinck was an active composer and organist at this time, mostly in Amsterdam. There is no evidence to suggest that he ever visited England, although some of his works were published there in the Fitzwilliam Virginal Book, along with those of John Bull.
The Netherlands did not gain independence from Spain until 1648, which links us with with the music of the Iberian Peninsula and the music of Luis de Narvaez, Luis de Milan and Antonio de Cabezon. This takes us to an earlier time, to the music at the time of Shakespeare’s birth, and shows us how the styles had begun to change in latter years, with more emphasis on virtuosity. The latest of these three composers, Antonio de Cabezon, died just two years after the birth of Shakespeare, but most of his works were published posthumously by his son, Hernando de Cabezon. The de Cabezon family travelled widely, visiting the Netherlands, Germany, England (where it is said Antonio de Cabezon may have influenced the music of William Byrd and Thomas Tallis) and Italy, which is where we arrive next on our musical journey.
Many of Shakepeare’s plays are set in Italy - The Taming of the Shrew, Two Gentlemen of Verona and The Merchant of Venice to name but a few. Francesco Lombardi was a composer active in Naples at this time, also working with Giovanni Maria Trabaci, an organist and harpist. The Italian style was again different from the music we have already explored, with toccatas showing more emphasis on improvisation and less on melodic lines. It is here that the triple harp is said to have been invented, around 1600, an instrument which is able to utilise all music written for lute, vihuela and keyboard, as well as other instruments. William Shakespeare died in April of the year 1616, 400 years ago.
Heart’s Ease takes the listener on a musical journey through different countries in the time of William Shakespeare. We begin in England, with the music of John Dowland and John Bull. The contemporary English poet, Richard Barnfield who had a close relationship with Shakespeare and is said by some to have been his rival, mentioned Dowland his sonnet If music and sweet poetry agree, which was previously attributed to Shakespeare. John Bull was not only a keyboardist but also an organ builder. Born in England, we can follow him to him to where he died, in Antwerp, which leads us to the music of the Low Countries.
During this period the Low Countries were in upheaval, firstly with a rebellion against Philip II of Spain, leading to the 30 years war, and secondly with a war against the English which did not end until 1604, one year after the death of Queen Elizabeth I. Sweelinck was an active composer and organist at this time, mostly in Amsterdam. There is no evidence to suggest that he ever visited England, although some of his works were published there in the Fitzwilliam Virginal Book, along with those of John Bull.
The Netherlands did not gain independence from Spain until 1648, which links us with with the music of the Iberian Peninsula and the music of Luis de Narvaez, Luis de Milan and Antonio de Cabezon. This takes us to an earlier time, to the music at the time of Shakespeare’s birth, and shows us how the styles had begun to change in latter years, with more emphasis on virtuosity. The latest of these three composers, Antonio de Cabezon, died just two years after the birth of Shakespeare, but most of his works were published posthumously by his son, Hernando de Cabezon. The de Cabezon family travelled widely, visiting the Netherlands, Germany, England (where it is said Antonio de Cabezon may have influenced the music of William Byrd and Thomas Tallis) and Italy, which is where we arrive next on our musical journey.
Many of Shakepeare’s plays are set in Italy - The Taming of the Shrew, Two Gentlemen of Verona and The Merchant of Venice to name but a few. Francesco Lombardi was a composer active in Naples at this time, also working with Giovanni Maria Trabaci, an organist and harpist. The Italian style was again different from the music we have already explored, with toccatas showing more emphasis on improvisation and less on melodic lines. It is here that the triple harp is said to have been invented, around 1600, an instrument which is able to utilise all music written for lute, vihuela and keyboard, as well as other instruments. William Shakespeare died in April of the year 1616, 400 years ago.
il Ladro Musicali
"The Musicical Thief"
A solo programme of early music from different periods of history, all 'stolen' for the harp from the repertoire of other instruments. Music includes suites by J.S. Bach written originally for the lute, violin or cello; keyboard works by Frescobaldi and Handel or from manuscripts for the virginal; beautiful lyrical pieces from 16th century vihuela repertoire; and lute works by Silvius Leopold Weiss and John Dowland. As a concept the programme can be anything between 45 minutes to 1 and a half hours with an interval.
A solo programme of early music from different periods of history, all 'stolen' for the harp from the repertoire of other instruments. Music includes suites by J.S. Bach written originally for the lute, violin or cello; keyboard works by Frescobaldi and Handel or from manuscripts for the virginal; beautiful lyrical pieces from 16th century vihuela repertoire; and lute works by Silvius Leopold Weiss and John Dowland. As a concept the programme can be anything between 45 minutes to 1 and a half hours with an interval.
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Ensemble Programmes
A new ensemble was launched this year with Luciana Queto, So el encina, with harp and voice. Specialising in the Medieval and early Renaissance periods, music is performed on gothic and Baroque harps, with Luciana's mellow mezzo vocals and occasional guests (percussion, vihuela...)
So el encina
"Ai Flores"
Description to follow shortly - email if you need more details before they are published
Description to follow shortly - email if you need more details before they are published
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The following are programmes performed with ensemble La Novella, a quintet with violin, recorder, viola da gamba/cello/bass de violon, harp and theorbo, performed on period instruments. It is a multinational group, formed in the Hague in 2005, with members from Israel, Ireland, Norway and England. A clip of the group playing on Slovenian television can be found on the media page. La Novella sometimes performs programmes with guest artists.
Festa Veneziana
"A Venetian Extravaganza"
A celebration of Venetian music circa 1600. Included are polyphonic works by Grillo and Cima, sonatas and dances by Salomone Rossi and Marini, and the beautiful passemezzo of Mainerio
A celebration of Venetian music circa 1600. Included are polyphonic works by Grillo and Cima, sonatas and dances by Salomone Rossi and Marini, and the beautiful passemezzo of Mainerio
Festa Napolitana - Festa a Ballo
"A Neopolitan Fiesta"
A collection of vocal and dance music from an original collection published in 1620. Music is by Giovanni Maria Trabaci, Andrea Falconieri and relatively unknown composers Spiardo and Ansalone. This programme also features Greek soprano Elena Krasaki.
A collection of vocal and dance music from an original collection published in 1620. Music is by Giovanni Maria Trabaci, Andrea Falconieri and relatively unknown composers Spiardo and Ansalone. This programme also features Greek soprano Elena Krasaki.
Salamone Rossi detto Ebreo
Music from the seventeenth century Jewish composer Salamone Rossi, a collection of his instrumental works and Hebrew psalms. One of the few successful Jewish composers of the Baroque period, this is a unique opportunity to hear original Baroque music sung in Hebrew. The programme of Hebrew psalms requires two additional singers, and has been performed with renowned mezzo-soprano Luciana Mancini and tenor Lior Lavid Leibovici. Alternatively it can be performed with only the instrumental music.
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Programmes with Belgian folk ensemble AmorRoma. AmorRoma is in principal a duo, of harp and bagpipe/whistles/recorders/bugle/singing, and can expand to include up to 14 people - adding double bass, extra vocals, guitar, oud, violin, accordion, hurdy-gurdy, clarinet and percussion. They perform both in a concert setting, purely accoustic, and a dance setting with amplification. The leader of the ensemble, Jowan Mercx, is well-versed in popular folk dance forms such as waltz, mazurka, polka, jig, 'scottish' and hanter-dro, but the group also performs dance music for the more advanced participant like the waltzes in 4 and 5 time and mazurkas in 11. All pieces performed in this setting are original compositions by Jowan, with memorable, sometimes haunting melodies and 'crunchy' harmonies.
Chansons de Wallonie, Chants d'amour et de mort
"Songs of Wallonia, Songs of love and death"
This is a collection of traditional songs, sung in French-Belgian dialect, given the unique flavours of AmorRoma. It features prominent Belgian singers Vincent Gregoire and Elly Aerden, and bass-player Vincent Noiret. The songs tell stories both comic and tragic, interspersed with original instrumental compositions, and the styles are an eclectic mix ranging from Baroque to "jazzy".
This is a collection of traditional songs, sung in French-Belgian dialect, given the unique flavours of AmorRoma. It features prominent Belgian singers Vincent Gregoire and Elly Aerden, and bass-player Vincent Noiret. The songs tell stories both comic and tragic, interspersed with original instrumental compositions, and the styles are an eclectic mix ranging from Baroque to "jazzy".
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Programmes with Baroque ensemble Lacrime Amorose: an ensemble with three core members, soprano, harp and theorbo/guitar. The group may also include a second soprano and a viola da gamba. The name of the group means 'amorous tears' and was formed in 2003 in the Hague. They specialise in vocal and instrumental music from the seventeenth century and have performed in the Netherlands, Italy and Czech Republic.
All my torments
"The Pleasures and Pains of Love in 17th Century Italy and England"
The programme begins in England, with songs and instrumental music from Henry Purcell, John Dowland and Thomas Morley, contrasting then with the extrovert emotions of the Italian style, with music by Barbara Strozzi, Frescobaldi, Mazzocchi, Castaldi and d'India.
The programme begins in England, with songs and instrumental music from Henry Purcell, John Dowland and Thomas Morley, contrasting then with the extrovert emotions of the Italian style, with music by Barbara Strozzi, Frescobaldi, Mazzocchi, Castaldi and d'India.
Duets of Love and Lament
This programme expands "All my torments" with duets for two sopranos.
Roma Amor
This programme centres around Roman composers (or those who spent a significant time working in Rome) such as Stefano Landi, Kapsberger, Luigi Rossi, Domenico Mazzocchi, Frescobaldi and Carissimi.
Christmas Programme
Lacrime Amorose offer a programme of Christmas music, with traditional songs and carols dating from medieval times, to their Baroque settings. The programme includes traditional Czech and Bohemian carols as well as English carols Sweet Was the Song the Virgin Sung, the coventry carol and What Child is This. A perfect way to get into the spirit of a traditional christmas.
Songs of Love and Madness
Including 'madness' songs by Henry Purcell. (Exact description to follow.)
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