Ensemble Hesperi
The Music Party
with the University of York Baroque Ensemble
Frederick and his family spent much time playing music together until his untimely death, and he and his wife, Augusta, were enthusiastic musical patrons, believing that the flourishing of the arts was vital to restore Britain’s reputation on the world stage.
The York University Baroque Ensemble and Ensemble Hesperi present a joyful programme of instrumental and vocal music by the circle of composers the royal couple knew and loved: George Frederick Handel, Thomas Arne, the Italian oboe virtuoso Giuseppe Sammartini, and the Scottish cellist and composer James Oswald.
York Early Music Festival
Tue, 7 July 2026
National Centre for Early Music, York
12:30pm
£15 (conc. available)
Full Event Details
In 1733, the French artist Philippe Mercier was commissioned to paint The Music Party, in which the young, music-loving Frederick, Prince of Wales, plays chamber music with his two sisters.
Frederick and his family spent much time playing music together until his untimely death, and he and his wife, Augusta, were enthusiastic musical patrons, believing that the flourishing of the arts was vital to restore Britain’s reputation on the world stage.
The York University Baroque Ensemble and Ensemble Hesperi present a joyful programme of instrumental and vocal music by the circle of composers the royal couple knew and loved: George Frederick Handel, Thomas Arne, the Italian oboe virtuoso Giuseppe Sammartini, and the Scottish cellist and composer James Oswald.
Venue Details & Map
Location
National Centre for Early Music, York
St Margaret's Church, Walmgate, York YO1 9TL
