From Naples to London: A Baroque Musical Journey with Le Consort

Grass Valley: InConcert Sierra presents a special performance featuring Le Consort, a renowned French Baroque ensemble of four young, charismatic musicians who have already achieved star status in the world of Early Music, as noted by the Library of Congress, on Monday, October 14.

The ensemble is co-directed by celebrated violinist Théotime Langlois de Swarte and harpsichordist Justin Taylor and includes violinist Sophie de Bardonnèche and cellist Hanna Salzenstein.

Le Consort will explore the nuances of English Baroque music as influenced by Italian masterworks in their program “From Naples to London.” The ensemble specializes in the Trio Sonata genre, and the program features music by Baroque masters such as Purcell and John Eccles, alongside their Italian contemporaries Vivaldi, Corelli, Veracini, and Nicola Matteis a Neapolitan violinist and composer active in London – as well as German composer/performer J.S. Bach. The program offers a mix of well-known pieces and exciting new discoveries.

A performance by Le Consort is a musical journey through 17th-century England and Europe, examining the different styles of violin trio sonatas. “We feel as an ensemble that it’s a repertoire that is sometimes a bit neglected,” says harpsichordist Justin Taylor.

With a core membership that has remained constant since their founding in 2016, Le Consort‘s performances achieve a level of musical cohesion typically found in long-standing quartets. This year marks their second North American tour, following extensive performances throughout Europe.

“I’ve been watching Théotime Langlois de Swarte, and he is phenomenal. When I learned about Le Consort, my heart nearly stopped when the opportunity to present this ensemble came up, and I jumped on it. I know our audience will be astounded, and I’m excited to hear the accolades after their performance. It will be Baroque music like we’ve never heard before,” said Ken Hardin, ICS artistic director.

Théotime Langlois de Swarte is a thrilling violinist whose virtuosity has garnered rave reviews and whose passion has introduced Baroque music to new audiences. He is the first Baroque violinist to be nominated as ‘Soliste instrumental’ at the Victoires de la Musique Classique in 2022, also earning recognition in the recording category.

The concert will be held on Monday evening, October 14, 2024 at 12889 Osborne Hill Road (Seventh-day Adventist Church) in Grass Valley. For more information, please visit www.inconcertsierra.org or call 530-273-3990.