John Blow:

Venus and Adonis

Saturday 11th October 2008

at the Old Baptist Chapel, Elsworth, near Cambridge

tutored by Peter Holman

Dr Peter Holman is well known as a scholar of Baroque music and the early orchestra, as well as a teacher, lecturer, and Musical Director of The Parley of Instruments and Opera Restor’d. He is now Professor of Historical Musicology at the University of Leeds. He was also a founder member of EEMF. We are privileged that he makes time to share his knowledge and pleasure in this music with us, continuing his series of EEMF workshops on works for choir and Baroque orchestra.

This workshop is open to all singers with reasonable sight-reading, and instrumentalists: four-part Baroque strings (or modern instruments, preferably gut-strung, with Baroque bows) with two Baroque recorders and continuo (theorbo and keyboard). We could also accept two oboes and bassoon. Pitch will be A=415. Numbers may have to be limited, so please apply as early as possible. Scores are available from King’s Music @ £10 including post.

As well as plenty of choruses, there are many solo singing parts, and the main roles will be divided between those who wish to have a go. The main roles are Cupid (S), Venus (S), Adonis (Bar); smaller roles include Shepherds (S, T, B); Huntsmen (A/T, T, B) in Act I; Graces (S, A, B), and Little Cupids (S, S, ideally children!).

The day will begin with coffee at 10.30, starting the music at 11.00, and will end at around 5.00. Soup, rolls, cheese and fruit will be provided for lunch; morning coffee and afternoon tea and cake are also included in the price. Thanks to the repeated generosity of Michael Taylor, the workshop will be held in his home, the converted Baptist Chapel in Elsworth, opposite the George & Dragon pub, between Huntingdon and Cambridge. Parking space is normally available on the nearby glebe field and will be indicated on the day.

The cost of the day will be £17 for members of EEMF or of other Early Music Fora, or £19 for non-members (NB the annual subscription for EEMF is only £6! Tick the box on the form if you are interested in joining). Cheques should be payable to the Eastern Early Music Forum.

To apply for this event please complete the attached slip and return it to Selene Mills, 5 Tunwell’s Lane, Great Shelford, Cambridge CB22 5LJ (telephone 01223 847330 / eemf@cemss.org), with a cheque (payable to EEMF). Acknowledgments and directions are only sent, usually sent about a week before the event, to those who send a stamped, addressed envelope. You may assume that your application is accepted if you do not hear from me.

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Please send this slip with your cheque to:
Selene Mills, EEMF, 5 Tunwell’s Lane, Great Shelford, Cambridge CB22 5LJ

Please enrol me for the Blow Venus & Adonis workshop, Saturday 11th October 2008.

Name _________________________________________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

Postcode ________________________Telephone ________________________ E-mail ________________

Voice: (please circle) S MS A T Bar B Instrument: _________________________________

I am interested in taking a vocal solo (please circle) YES / NO (solo parts may be allocated in advance)

I am a member of _________________________ Early Music Forum / Please send EEMF membership details 

I enclose a cheque, payable to EEMF, for £_______ , and (optional) a s.a.e.  for acknowledgment and directions.