Musical Dinosaurs

Discover the history of the dinosaurs that roamed the Isle of Wight over 125 million years ago, with insights from Conservator and Preparator, Dr Simon Penn on the museum collection comprising over 40,000 specimens from across the island.

Then, experience some of the world’s rarest instruments, surrounded by life-size dinosaurs! Island musician Chris Hirst and Phantasia present a short recital based around the twilight years of two rare instruments – the German theorbo and voice flute, when they were fast becoming “musical dinosaurs”.

In the late 18th century, musical tastes had changed, and instruments common in the Baroque era, like the theorbo and recorder, were close to extinction! The programme features seldom-heard music associated with the last lutenists, alongside some foot-tapping, folk-influenced music on the voice flute, performed by Chris with Miranda Dodd (violin and voice flute) and Matthew Dodd (bassoon).

The museum is closing for these Fairest Isle Festival sessions – and with homemade cake and coffee included in the ticket, only a few German theorbos surviving and a private talk from Dr Penn, this is a rare event you will not want to miss in the unique and atmospheric surroundings of the Dinosaur Isle!

This event also takes place at 10:00 on the same day.