Homestead Series 1 – Rosecroft Homestead

NECOM’s Homestead Series offers a rare chance to immerse yourself in a magical combination of fine chamber music and local history. As these homesteads are not open to the public, the series offers an exclusive glimpse into the architectural history of the area. Seating is limited so get in early to secure your tickets.

Enjoy a delightful afternoon of music with musicians from the New England Conservatorium of Music, Armidale. Performed in the stables of “Rosecroft” Homestead, the program includes excerpts from operas by Handel and Elisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre, instrumental music by Handel, Haydn, Massenet, and Elgar, plus songs by Roger Quilter and Amy Beach.

You might notice a Celtic accent in the programming, with Handel, Haydn, Elgar and Quilter all having strong connections with England. We also take a couple of trips across the Channel to France for variety.

We are especially pleased to present works by two women composers, both highly regarded in their day, but unjustly neglected by history: Élisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre (a musician in the court of Louis XIV, the Sun King), and Amy Beach from the New England area of the USA.

Program
George F. Handel: Sonata for Violin & Basso Continuo in A major Op. 1 No. 3; George F. Handel: Ombra mai fù from Xerxes, HWV 40; Élisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre: excerpts from Semele; Joseph Haydn: Sonata for violin & fortepiano in G major, HWV XV:32; Jules Massenet: Élégie for soprano, cello & piano; Roger Quilter: Three Pastoral Songs Op. 22 for soprano and piano trio;
Edward Elgar: Chanson de Nuit & Chanson de Matin, Op. 15; Amy Beach: Two Songs for soprano & piano trio, Op. 100; Edward Elgar: Salut d’amore.

Musicians
Hester Wright (soprano); Joanna Fairs-Wu (violin); Robert Manley (cello); Matthew Ardern (harpsichord/piano).