Founded in 1973 by Christopher Hogwood, the Academy of Ancient Music is one of the world’s finest period-instrument ensembles. Unlike many modern groups, the AAM gets back to the original intentions of the composer by performing Baroque and Classical music on old instruments and in styles appropriate to the time when the music was composed. The result: inspirational performances, filled with energy and passion and joy.

Players from the Academy of Ancient Music return to Taunton with an enticing programme exploring the theme ‘Gods & Mortals’ – prompted by the desire of the group to perform François Couperin’s two ‘Apotheoses’, by Lully and Corelli. These instrumental performances will include the ‘narration’ of the two pieces describing the ascent of Mount Parnassus as the two composers go up to meet the gods.

There are also performances from the cantata repertoire, and for the Saturday morning concert individual players perform a piece by one of their personal musical ‘gods’ – either a virtuosic piece or something that means a lot to them.

Insight into the music will be provided by the players themselves, by way of talks during the concerts.

www.aam.co.uk

The Programme