Handel and the New Society

In 1738, moved by the plight of colleagues both infirm and impoverished, London's foremost musicians came forward to establish a new society – the Fund for Decay'd Musicians, known today as the UK's oldest musical charity, The Royal Society of Musicians.

Period pioneers Spiritato bring together joyful, evocative instrumental works by key members of 'the Fund' – Handel, Boyce, Arne and Greene – and tell the story of Pietro Castrucci, Handel's virtuoso first violin, himself a 'Decay'd Musician', forgotten by history but not by his friends.
Glorious overtures, intimate trios and rarely heard jewels combine in tribute to a unique and enduring charitable vision and the remarkable musicians that created it.

'Fascinating to watch, playing with total commitment and fervour' – Bachtrack

'High quality entertainment' – BBC Radio 3

'This is a brilliant group doing fab things – don't miss them!' – Rachel Podger