In the 17th and 18th centuries, London was at the forefront of musical innovation.

In taverns, gardens and ballrooms, the tender, rhythmic tunes of Scottish, Welsh and Irish music are taking over London’s salons. The 17th-century English composer John Playford and the 18th-century Scotsman James Oswald immediately strike the right balance between traditional and classical music, Italian elegance and Celtic style. Here is a joyful programme full of ballads and dances that deserve to resound once more beneath the stars!

Florence Bolton founded the ensemble La Rêveuse in 2004 with the theorbo player Benjamin Perrot and conducted extensive historical research with him, resulting in the creation of projects and recordings acclaimed by national and international critics. Deeply interested in musical iconography, she works on the links between music, social history and painting, and frequently participates in conferences or educational projects on topics such as women and music or animals as a source of inspiration in music.

Originally from Avignon, Benjamin Perrot initially studied classical guitar while also practising contemporary and traditional music, as well as improvisation. But his passion for Baroque music ultimately led him to dedicate himself entirely to early instruments.

La Rêveuse:
Florence Bolton viola da gamba
Benjamin Perrot archlute, cittern, English guitar