In July 2019, the Horniman began presenting weekly Hear it Live! performances on Thursday afternoons in the Music Gallery. This live music series continued regularly until the Covid-19 pandemic forced the Museum’s closure.
Fortunately, an informal recording of each performer was made beforehand, playing a piece of their own choosing and using one of these four expertly restored and maintained early keyboard instruments:
- the Neapolitan virginals by Onofrio Guarracino, 1668;
- the square piano by Adam Beyer, London, 1777;
- the English chamber organ, attributed to Joseph Beloudy, London, c.1800; and
- the double-manual harpsichord by Jacob Kirckman, London, 1772.
We’re delighted these videos, produced by Beatrice Booker (Programming and Admin Assistant – Musical Events), can now be shared with you online.
We hope that, with the hum of visitors in the background, you will feel that you are experiencing the Music Gallery first-hand, with your friends and family.
And, what’s more, that you are being welcomed by live music! We look forward to seeing you in person when the series can resume.
Performances will go live regularly, so subscribe to our YouTube channel to see them as they are published.
You will be able to see all of the performances on the Hear it Live! playlist.
Let us know what you think in the comments.
The Hear It Live! programme and recordings are made possible through the generosity of the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Find some of the recent performances:
(Please note, these performances took place prior to the Horniman closure.)
