Events

The Field of the Cloth of Gold: Musical exchange between England and France

In June of 1520, King Henry VIII of England and King Francis I of France met in a neutral valley near the English-ruled territory of Calais in northern France for a summit meant to strengthen the bond between the two monarchs following the Anglo-French treaty of 1514. A dazzling display of pageantry, feasting, and entertainment - the meeting became known as the Field of the Cloth of Gold. Our program begins with music that may have been performed at this historic event. From there, we follow the exchange of musical ideas between England and France for the next two hundred years, including music from the
courts of Queen Elizabeth I and Louis XIV.

Riverview Early Music members include soprano Abigail Chapman, multi-instrumentalists John Lacombe and Bill Thatcher, and percussionist Peter Gregory. Songs will be accompanied and dances played on period instruments, with an emphasis on the early plucked string family (lutes, theorbo, and early guitar) as well as viola da gamba, recorder, and a plethora of percussion instruments.

There is no cost to attend this concert!

Both Sides of the Harvest Moon is a program of Renaissance, Baroque, and traditional music that pays homage to the wonders of the Fall Season. As the program begins, we celebrate the Hunt and the Harvest, with music from the court of Henry VIII as well as traditional ballads, dances, and airs from the English and French countrysides. For the second half, we venture into the dark of the Night where the “magic” happens, with songs by Henry Purcell and Robert Johnson, and instrumental dances tunes from John Playford and Anthony Holborne. We end the program with a set of colorful songs from different folk traditions around the world that resonate with our own Halloween. Performed on period instruments, including lutes, theorbo, early guitars, cittern, recorder, and percussion.

Pastime with Good Company - a program of popular songs and dances from the 16th and 17th centuries, will get your feet tapping and your hearts pumping. With a core theme of the traditions of the Fall season, we will present some of our favorite pieces in an intimate setting. We’re so looking forward to returning to Salon 33 for an evening of music and merriment!

Salon 33 takes place in a private home, the location of which will be sent to you once you RSVP. Salon 33 concerts are preceded by an optional potluck supper at 7pm. Music begins at 8pm.