The London Festival of Baroque Music was held at St John’s Smith Square over the weekend, and one of the festival highlights was undoubtedly the Music for Marie Fel concert, which saw soprano Carolyn Sampson supported by the Ex Cathedra Consort and Baroque Orchestra, conducted by Jeffrey Skidmore. The performance also included a dramatic narration performed by the actor Matt Barber (best known for his appearances in Downton Abbey).
“Women in Baroque Music” was the theme for the 2015 festival, which turned its attention to the remarkable achievements of women composers. In the Music for Marie Fel concert Ex Cathedra brought to life music by composers including Michel-Richard de Lalande, Louis Lacoste, Jean-Joseph Mouret and Jean-Philippe Rameau.
The choir have already received rave reviews, with their performance having been described as ‘exuberant’ by the Financial Times, as well as having received praise elsewhere:
The Telegraph: “The performances of scenes from Rameau, in which Sampson was joined by the Ex Cathedra Consort and Orchestra, were wonderful.”
Planet Hugill: “…the flexible talents of the Ex Cathedra Consort… were stylishly performed. Carolyn Sampson was ably and stylishly supported by Jeffrey Skidmore and Ex Cathedra.”
The programme will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3‘s Early Music Show next Sunday.