Handel and ‘the Affrican’

This concert explores the exciting connection between Handel - one of England's most successful and well-loved musical immigrants - and the Montagu family.

The Duke of Montagu also nurtured the African, Ignatius Sancho - born on a slaveship in 1729. Sancho as a small child impressed the Duke and under his care, came to be a notable man of letters and well-known composer.

Gainsborough's portrait of Sancho hangs in the National Portrait Gallery. Fiori paint the picture of these two fascinating musicians who became key part of English 18th-century cultural life.

Handel - Oboe concerto in G minor
Handel - ‘As with rosy steps the dawn’ from Theodora Zoe
Handel - ‘Son nata a lagrimar’ from Giulia Cesare duet
Sancho - 2 Minuets
Handel - ‘Per le porte’ duet from Sosarme
Handel - Overture to Xerxes
Handel - ‘Ombra mai fu’ from Xerxes
Sancho - The complaint
Handel - Gigue & Passacaglia from op.5 no.4
Handel - ‘Cara sposa’ from Rinaldo
Handel - ‘Caro, bella’ duet from Giulia Cesare

James Laing: countertenor
Zoe Brookshaw: soprano
Gail Hennessy: oboe
with the Fiori Musicali Chamber Ensemble

Penelope Rapson: harpsichord/director

This concert is raising money for the Ruth Hayman Trust - a charity assisting adults who have come to settle in the UK and whose first language is not English.