Grounds for Exchange

Bellot Ensemble make their debut at the Winchfield Festival with Grounds for Exchange, a programme exploring the musical conversation between Italy and England in the 17th century.

Centred around the captivating idea of the ground bass, the programme moves between expressive Italian flair and the rich, reflective sound-world of English Baroque music. Featuring composers including Claudio Monteverdi, Henry Purcell, Tarquinio Merula, Matthew Locke, William Lawes and Andrea Falconieri, the concert traces a lively dialogue between two musical cultures.

Bellot Ensemble is a vibrant period instrument group known for energetic performances and a fresh approach to 17th-century music. The group has recently been selected as a New Generation Baroque Ensemble, a prestigious scheme led by BBC Radio 3, the Royal College of Music and the National Centre for Early Music.

With engaging introductions and a colourful range of instruments including theorbo and viola da gamba, this promises a varied and accessible evening full of character, discovery and expressive contrast.