Thomas Arne, Cantata 'The Morning'
George Frideric Handel:
Organ Concerto, 'The Cuckoo & the Nightingale'
'Hark! 'tis the Linnet & the Thrush' from Joshua
'Arrival of the Queen of Sheba'
& Opera Arias Performed at Vauxhall Gardens

Special Guests:
Nell Snaidas, Soprano
Anne Briggs, Baroque Flute
Dongsok Shin, Organ & Harpsichord

London's pleasure gardens at Vauxhall were magnificent public grounds with several acres of landscaped walks, flower beds, fountains and arbors. It was an Eden where everyday citizens could relax, entertain friends and wander among the many aristocrats and tourists who enjoyed the fashionable life. This was no ordinary garden. Crowds gathered to watch tightrope walkers, hot air balloon ascents and fireworks. It was a dream-world filled with extravagant chinoiserie follies, a rococo Turkish tent, elaborate supper boxes and lavish exhibitions of specially commissioned works of art. The garden was always filled with music and in 1749, an audience of twelve-thousand gathered for a rehearsal of Handel's Music for the Royal Fireworks. A marble statue of Handel, depicted as Apollo, presided over the idyllic 'grove' where the gardenÕs concerts were given. Handel's music, with its many depictions of nature and Arcadian life, perfectly captured the spirit of Vauxhall.

 

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