This fascinating programme explores music written in England between about 1680, when Henry Purcell was in his prime, and 1720, when Handel was well established in London. It contrasts songs, cantatas, sonatas and suites by Purcell (including his great dramatic scene ‘The Blessed Virgin’s Expostulation’) and his followers William Croft, Raphael Courteville, and John Weldon with music in the Italian style by immigrant composers, including Handel (the rarely performed cantata Venus & Adonis), Giovanni Battista Draghi, Nicola Matteis, J.C. Pepusch and Nicola Haym (his Chandos anthem ‘Have mercy on me, O God’).

Philippa Hyde and The Parley of Instruments need no introduction to Suffolk Villages Festival audiences; following the concert this programme will be recorded for Chandos for future release on CD.