Elizabeth Kenny and seventeenth century violin band

Elizabeth Kenny has devised a programme for a seventeenth century violin band which she led jointly with violinist Alison Bury.  Performances started in October 2008 and included Bradford  on Avon, The Anvil in Basingstoke, the South Bank Centre,  and the Brighton Early Music Festival.  The programme explored the colours and resources of the seventeenth century violin ensemble in most of its guises, from rhythm band through counterpoint to "because we can" virtuosity.  The music was by William Brade, Matthew Locke and Henry Purcell, and took the OAE into hitherto unexplored pre-orchestral territory. A BBC Radio 3 broadcast of the show, on 5th Nov 2008 will include an interview with EK on the shape and scope of the project.