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Are you a Violinist or Pianist who loves music by BACH, VIVALDI, SCARLATTI and HANDEL?
CURIOUS about the INSTRUMENTS of the Baroque Era?
Are you Struggling to find Your OWN Musical Voice?
Then, explore Historical Performance on the Baroque Violin and Harpsichord on Sat.29 June!
at a recent rehearsal
Our special Discovery day is designed for Violinists, Violists and Pianists of grade 5 standard and above, eager to explore music beyond the notes. We would like to encourage young musicians to apply, but we welcome curious professionals and music lovers from the older generations as well.
Through engaging lectures, hands-on instrument sessions and a captivating live concert, you will unlock the secrets of historical performance. Guided by two of the UK’s early music experts, this event promises to enrich your musical journey. Ready to deepen your understanding and expand your repertoire? Join us!
Only 6 Places Available for Active participants on each Instrument! (Auditing Option Available)
***Deadline for Active participants and Audit is 26 June***
Baroque Discovery Day
Date: Saturday 29 June 2024 11am〜6:30pm
Location: Quaker Meeting House: 17 Colmore Rd, King’s Heath, Birmingham B14 7PE
Schedule
| Time | Schedule | Location | Notes |
| 11:00-11:30 | Registration & Welcome (Tea and Biscuits ) | Entrance | |
| 11:30-13:00 | Lecture About Historical Performance Practice/Introduction to the instruments | Large Room | |
| 13:00-14:00 | Lunch Break | Lunch provided | |
| 14:00-15:00 | Concert | Large Room | Open to the Public |
| 15:00-15:30 | Q & A session | Large Room | Open to the Public |
| 15:30-15:45 | Break | ||
| 15:45-17:45 | Harpsichord Trial session | Large Room | |
| 15:45-17:45 | Violin Trial session | Small Room | |
| 17:45-18:00 | Feedback, further information | Large Room |
Tutor Concert
Discovering the Baroque: Stories Woven in Harmony
Programme (14:00~15:00)
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber : ‘Crucifixion’ from Rosary Sonata for violin and keyboard
Arcangelo Corelli : Violin Sonata Op.5 No.10 in F major
Gaspard Le Roux: Unmeasured Prelude in D minor
François Couperin: Le Rossignol-en-amour
Elizabeth Jacquet de La Guerre: Sonata for Violin and Keyboard (1707) No.2 in D major
Johann Sebastian Bach: Sonata for Violin and Obligato Hapsichord BWV 1018 in F minor
Tutors
Miki Takahashi (Baroque Violin, Viola)
Miki Takahashi is a baroque violinist, celebrated for her performances as a soloist and chamber musician. She began her musical journey by studying in Japan and later under Professor Lorand Fenyves at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, Canada. It was during her studies in Canada that Miki discovered her passion for historical violin, and she went on to complete her postgraduate degree at the University of Arts in Berlin with Irmgard Huntgeburth.
Miki’s talent and hard work were recognised early in her career when she won first prize and the special prize for stylistic ornamentation at the Third International Telemann Competition in Magdeburg, Germany. In the same year, she also took home the first prize as well as the audience prize at the International Music Competition Musica Antiqua in Bruges.
Miki’s success eventually led her to the United Kingdom, where she currently serves as the leader of St. James’s Baroque, co-leader of Feinstein Ensemble, and a member of 2 to Link (Classical Violin & Viola Duo) and Turini Ensemble. She also regularly performs with major baroque ensembles such as Collegium Musicum 90, The English Concert, Early Opera Company, Gabrieli Consort, Musical ans Amicable Society and Instruments of Time and Truth.
In addition to her performances, Miki is also a passionate and dedicated teacher. She currently teaches at the University of Birmingham and the Royal Conservatoire of Birmingham, inspiring and mentoring the next generation of musicians.(DBS checked)
Masumi Yamamoto (Harpsichord)
Masumi is currently a Professor of Basso Continuo at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, and Teacher of Harpsichord at two schools in London – St. Paul’s Girls’ School in Hammersmith, and James Allen’s Girls’ School in Dulwich. She also runs the South London Harpsichord Academy, which started out as a YouTube Channel and aims to help people discover the beautiful harpsichord.
She has also been involved in many events promoting the harpsichord to curious pianists, and is a regular tutor at the English Camerata International Music Summer School. She was also on the panel of judges for the Broadwood Horniman Harpsichord Competition held in 2017.
As a performer, Masumi has appeared on the concert platform as continuo player for many period-instrument ensembles, including the Gabrieli Consort & Players, the Academy of Ancient Music, the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and The English Concert, as well as modern-instrument orchestras such as the London Symphony Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, the Halle Orchestra and the Royal Northern Sinfonia. She was a prize winner at the International Harpsichord Competition in Bruges and became the first Japanese prize-winner in 25 years.
Masumi has given solo recitals at the London Handel Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival and most recently King’s Lynn Festival. She is also due to appear at this year’s King’s Lynn festival, playing JS Bach’s Goldberg Variations. Her discography includes a 2020 recording “Handel: Works for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord” from First Hand Records with viola da gamba player Ibrahim Aziz.
In 2024, through her work with the South London Harpsichord Academy, Masumi plans to launch some online courses. (DBS checked)
There are 3 different ways to participate
Option 1: Active participants
Come in the morning and experience everything! Listen to the lecture, concert and try our baroque violin or harpsichord (or both). There will be no auditions, but the active participants should have grade 5 or equivalent on the instrument you would like to try. For the violin players, please note that my baroque violin is full size, so if you are still using a smaller sized violin, unfortunately this option will not be suitable for you. However, if you are about to move up to the full size, this should work fine. The baroque violin’s measurements is slightly smaller than the modern violin!
With this option, you will have a 1 on 1 online consultation (20min) before the discovery day to assess what you would like to learn and we will choose a piece of music to try on the instrument, tailored to your needs.
We will be sharing some digital resources such as introducing our instruments, explaining the differences between the modern instruments and baroque instruments.
You can opt in to try both instruments if you wish! If this is the case, you will have 2 consultation sessions before the course. If the participant is under 18, an adult should accompany the participant (one adult per a family). Lunch will be provided, so that we have some chance to socialise at the venue.
Option 2: Auditors
If you are interested in learning early music but do not want to try our instruments, you can audit the whole day. You will not be able to touch the instruments under this option. Lunch will be provided upon request and you can come and go throughout the day.
Option 3: Concert only
This option is for the general public and will allow access only to the concert and Q&A session after the concert. Please book your tickets from the following button.
Registration and Fees
We prefer to receive payment via Bank Transfer, but cheks are also accepted. Paypal can also be used but there will be a £3 handling fee. After receiving your application, we will send you an e-mail with payment details.
Option 1: Active participants £80 (£72 before 01 June! Also, with the additional £20, you can try both instruments. This means that you will have 2 consultation sessions before the course.)
You need to have grade 5 or above (or equivalent ability) in order to be an active participants. You will benefit from the lecture, Concert, Hands on instrument session and feedback! We will provide Lunch so that we also have a chance to socialise!
Option 2: Auditors £40 (£36 before 01 June)
Come and go as you please during the discovery day. You will not be able to touch the instruments, but learn from the lecture, concert, Q&A session and you can also see others trying out baroque instruments. Listening to the others is a great way of learning, as there are many common issues. You do not need to be a violinist or a pianist! We will provide Lunch so that we also have a chance to socialise!
Option 3: Concert , Q & A session only £15
If you simply like music or are curious about our instruments, come and listen to the concert, and participate in the Q & A session. It is a great way to be introduced to a new world!
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: I don’t have grade 5. Can I participate?
A: Yes, if you think your standard is equivalent or above grade 5, you can apply. If you are not yet grade 5 but would like to join, please fill in the application form and explain your situation. We will get in touch with you and consider your application!
Q: Do I have to have the provided lunch? Do you charge extra for lunch?
A: Lunch is included in the fee and you can opt out to bring your own lunch or buy your own in the local area if you prefer. We provide lunch so that tutors and participants can socialise during the lunch break and get to know each other. This is not a requirement, but strongly recommended. Unfortunately we do not refund the lunch fee if you opt out.
Q: I know nothing about Baroque Music. Can I come?
A: Yes, our Baroque Discovery Day is designed for anyone! We would like you to discover the charm of early music.
Q: I already play the baroque violin. Can I bring my own instrument?
A: Yes, you can participate with your own Baroque violin if you prefer. You can always try Miki’s Violin for an additional experience.
Q: How can I access the venue? Is there parking?
A: Quaker Meeting House is located in Kings Heath area in Birmingham. From Birmingham stations, you can take Bus No. 35 (3min.walk from Camp Hill School stop) or Bus No.50 (9 min. walk from Addison Rd.stop)There are approximately 10 parking spaces there, and free street parking is available on surrounding streets.
Q: Is it possible to pay the tuition fee in instalments?
A: Yes, you can pay in two instalments if you need to. Please indicate this in the comments box on the form.
