The acclaimed all-female group will be performing at the two-day Love: Handel, which also includes author Louis de Bernières and local schoolchildren.
Acclaimed all-female group The Brook Street Band are to launch their inaugural festival dedicated to the music of Handel in Norwich.
Since its formation in 1996 by baroque cellist Tatty Theo, the award-winning ensemble has established itself as one of the country's foremost interpreters of George Frideric Handel's music.
Their name comes from the street in London's Mayfair where Handel lived and composed for most of his working life.
They have long dreamed of presenting their own festival, dedicated to the composer and now they are to host Love: Handel in Norwich on April 22-23, timed to coincide with and celebrate the end of the band's 20th anniversary year.
Love: Handel, which the band intends to develop it into a biennial event, hoping it will grow towards a four-day event, will include a variety of events spread over the weekend encompassing live performance, discussion and many other events.
The core members of The Brook Street Band — Rachel Harris, Farran Scott, Theo and Carolyn Gibley — will be joined by soprano Nicki Kennedy and flautist and recorder player Lisete da Silva Bull, who is also an experienced baroque dance tutor.
Renowned locally-based author Louis de Bernières will make a guest appearance joining the band for a reading from his play Dining with George, and discussing his musical heritage and interests. Musicologist Julie-Anne Sadie will also join the band in Handelian discussion.
The BSB has close connections with Norfolk, several of its members having lived and worked here.
Tatty Theo, the group's founder, said: 'As a group, we are lucky enough to play in many of most prestigious concert venues, but we are also passionate about bringing the music we love to our local community, especially working with young people in education and involving them in our concerts. Love: Handel unites these factors, with several band-members living in East Anglia, and a wide-ranging music education programme in place across the region with links to Norfolk Music Service, Cambridgeshire Music Hub Live and Aldeburgh Young Musicians.'
Love: Handel Festival will also include an extensive education programme, for junior and secondary schools in Norwich and the surrounding area, in association with the Norfolk Music Service.
The Brook Street Band will present whole-school music assemblies and work in detail with over 270 children. IN addition young people are being encouraged to come and participate, with free tickets for under-18s.
Tatty Theo adds: 'Handel was known for his many enthusiasms, most famously eating and drinking, and lively passionate discussion. So, we hope to encourage our own in homage to the great man, with plenty of birthday cake to celebrate the band's 20th anniversary!'
t Love: Handel, The Chapel, Park Lane, Norwich, April 22-23, £15-£5, under-18s free, 01603 621169, rrowe@paston.co.uk
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