Kitchen Conversations

Are you hungry? Join us in our imagined 'kitchen' as we musically prepare and cook dinner for friends. As the evening progresses deep conversations ensue, mystery musical ingredients provide sustenance and spice; a rich baroque diet to nourish mind and soul.

The kitchen has always been the heart of the home. Although hidden away in Handel’s time it was no less lacking in drama and passion, servants and cooks working hard to ensure a smooth-running household. Today’s kitchens are positioned centre-stage, shared spaces for preparation, eating and drinking. Convivial food, free-flowing wine* ... some juicy gossip... perfect ingredients for an enticing, entertaining, thought-provoking musical event. Featured composers include: Telemann, Handel, JS Bach, CPE Bach, Rameau, Purcell, Errollyn Wallen.

Narrator, Rachel Harris & Kathryn Parry (violins), Tatty Theo (cello), Carolyn Gibley (harpsichord)

The Brook Street Band (“ensemble so pin-sharp it merits a safety warning” - BBC Music Magazine) presents a musical feast with glorious music of the high baroque, composers including Bach and Handel so dear to BSB’s heart and incorporating some of BSB’s trademark quirky chamber arrangements. There will be Tafelmusik from Telemann too, alongside other baroque gems. Moving to the present day, Baroque music continues to subtly influence today’s pop music, ground basses and set chord progressions running through some of the best offerings from the charts. Alongside spectacular contemporary classical music by Master of the King’s Music Errollyn Wallen CBE, The Brook Street Band interweaves one or two surprising short popular favourites through the evening’s music bringing the centuries together, both worlds harmoniously and seamlessly blended together.

The concert comprises a 75-minute performance (no interval), music and texts to evoke food preparation and cooking, eating and drinking and post-prandial conversation. Music list to include: Telemann, Handel, JS Bach, CPE Bach, Rameau, Purcell, Errollyn Wallen

“There’s something that’s really warm, effortless and relaxed about a Brook Street show. The musicians clearly enjoy each other’s work, as of course do we, the audience! Lovely programming, great musicianship…” Petworth Festival

*NB: There is no actual food and wine included in the ticket price