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Italian Legacies: Geminiani and his English Contemporaries

Academy of Ancient Music

Silk chiffon fabric with a floral pattern, twisted to form a swirl

Swinging London meets Italian flair, 18th century style. AAM presents Georgian England in the company of Arne, Boyce, Geminiani and Bach. But not the Bach you’re expecting…

The music scene in 18th century Britain was a place where everything was up for grabs. A nation was remaking its identity – embracing global fashions and diverse cultures, and locked in passionate debate about its relationship with Europe. English composers wrote Italian operas, the spirit of Shakespeare met the inspiration of Corelli and Vivaldi, and Bach’s youngest son carved out a musical niche that was entirely his own.

It's a gloriously colourful world – both familiar and surprising – and for this performance, AAM dives into a musical melting pot. Linley and Boyce give classic literature a magical makeover, Geminiani brings a taste of the hottest Italian fashions, and there’s a whole mini-opera from JC Bach, the so-called ‘English Bach’, who lived in London and is buried at St Pancras. Mozart was a fan, and you’re about to hear why.

This performance will finish at approximately 9.30pm, including a 20-minute interval

Promoted by Academy of Ancient Music

£5

Aged 14–25? Join Young Barbican for free.

Subject to availability

Wheelchair spaces and free companion seats may now be booked online. 

Please select the relevant preferences on the access registration page during your booking so we can provide you with the correct information and discounts.

Booking a wheelchair space: Select a seat displaying the wheelchair user icon and then select wheelchair user ticket type. The ticket will be priced at the lowest price for that event. If you need an essential companion, please select the click the E icon next to the wheelchair space you have selected. 

Booking essential companion tickets: Please select at least two tickets and one of them will be automatically discounted to zero in the basket. 

Booking British Sign Language or Captioned Seats: Select seats in the area appropriate to your needs.

20% discount for groups of 10+. Contact [email protected] to make a group booking.

Subject to availability.

Patrons get first access to Priority Booking with no booking fees added.

*Excludes £4 booking fee

Milton Court Concert Hall