A birthday party for the king - Music at the court of Frederick the Great 

On January 24, 1758, Frederick II celebrated his 46th birthday – and we are joining!

Musicians from the Royal Court Orchestra perform, and of course Johann Gottlieb Graun, who played music with Frederick when he was still crown prince, is concertmaster for the special occasion. Works by Germany's most gifted composers are being performed and didn’t the late Johann Sebastian Bach once consecrate a "musical offering" to the king, in which he transformed a theme given to him by Frederick to all the rules of his art? With Georg Philipp Telemann, the flair of the big wide world comes from the Hanseatic city of Hamburg. But music isn't everything: there's dancing, laughing and playing, as befits a royal party. And Frederick's revered flute master and musical father figure Johann Joachim Quantz leads the celebrations as maître de plaisir.

A birthday party for the king - Music at the court of Frederick the Great 

On January 24, 1758, Frederick II celebrated his 46th birthday – and we are joining!

Musicians from the Royal Court Orchestra perform, and of course Johann Gottlieb Graun, who played music with Frederick when he was still crown prince, is concertmaster for the special occasion. Works by Germany's most gifted composers are being performed and didn’t the late Johann Sebastian Bach once consecrate a "musical offering" to the king, in which he transformed a theme given to him by Frederick to all the rules of his art? With Georg Philipp Telemann, the flair of the big wide world comes from the Hanseatic city of Hamburg. But music isn't everything: there's dancing, laughing and playing, as befits a royal party. And Frederick's revered flute master and musical father figure Johann Joachim Quantz leads the celebrations as maître de plaisir.

A birthday party for the king - Music at the court of Frederick the Great 

On January 24, 1758, Frederick II celebrated his 46th birthday – and we are joining!

Musicians from the Royal Court Orchestra perform, and of course Johann Gottlieb Graun, who played music with Frederick when he was still crown prince, is concertmaster for the special occasion. Works by Germany's most gifted composers are being performed and didn’t the late Johann Sebastian Bach once consecrate a "musical offering" to the king, in which he transformed a theme given to him by Frederick to all the rules of his art? With Georg Philipp Telemann, the flair of the big wide world comes from the Hanseatic city of Hamburg. But music isn't everything: there's dancing, laughing and playing, as befits a royal party. And Frederick's revered flute master and musical father figure Johann Joachim Quantz leads the celebrations as maître de plaisir.

A birthday party for the king - Music at the court of Frederick the Great 

On January 24, 1758, Frederick II celebrated his 46th birthday – and we are joining!

Musicians from the Royal Court Orchestra perform, and of course Johann Gottlieb Graun, who played music with Frederick when he was still crown prince, is concertmaster for the special occasion. Works by Germany's most gifted composers are being performed and didn’t the late Johann Sebastian Bach once consecrate a "musical offering" to the king, in which he transformed a theme given to him by Frederick to all the rules of his art? With Georg Philipp Telemann, the flair of the big wide world comes from the Hanseatic city of Hamburg. But music isn't everything: there's dancing, laughing and playing, as befits a royal party. And Frederick's revered flute master and musical father figure Johann Joachim Quantz leads the celebrations as maître de plaisir.

Music at the court of Fredrick the Great

On 24 January 1758, Frederick the Second celebrated his 46th birthday – and we’re there! Johann Joachim Quantz leads through the celebrations as master of ceremonies and musicians from Frederick’s court orchestra, as well as Germany’s most gifted composers, perform. But music is not everything: there is dancing, laughter and games, as befits a celebration for a king.

More info soon

Travels with Burney - A Baroque musical voyage

This programme is a Baroque musical voyage following Burney on his journey: a kaleidoscope of European Baroque music with compositions from each of the countries he visited, interspersed with readings of his original 18th century diary entries. The programme includes seldomly heard pieces by Austrian composer Johann Heinrich Schmelzer and Czech composer Frantisek Tuma, a new arrangement of the folk song "Kraut und Rüben" based on Dietrich Buxtehude's "La Capricciosa" and Bach’s Goldberg variation “Quodlibet”, music from one of Georg Philipp Telemann’s operas (yes, Telemann also wrote opera!) and a Cantata written by Charles Burney himself called "The despairing shepherd".

The Comic Muse: The Theatrical World of Kitty Clive

Tickets and Info: https://lichfieldfestival.org/event/apollos-cabinet-the-comic-muse/

The Comic Muse: The Theatrical World of Kitty Clive

Apollo's Cabinet will mark the release of their new recording all about 18th century soprano Kitty Clive - a real celebrity of her time, but then defamed by male colleagues and long forgotten by historians - with a concert tour across the south of England and Cornwall. The programme will be semi-staged and features lots of English theatre music of the time as well as some of the arias she would have performed.

Music at the court of Fredrick the Great

On 24 January 1758, Frederick the Second celebrated his 46th birthday – and we’re there! Johann Joachim Quantz leads through the celebrations as master of ceremonies and musicians from Frederick’s court orchestra, as well as Germany’s most gifted composers, perform. But music is not everything: there is dancing, laughter and games, as befits a celebration for a king.

Travels with Burney - A Baroque musical voyage

This programme is a Baroque musical voyage following Burney on his journey: a kaleidoscope of European Baroque music with compositions from each of the countries he visited, interspersed with readings of his original 18th century diary entries. The programme includes seldomly heard pieces by Austrian composer Johann Heinrich Schmelzer and Czech composer Frantisek Tuma, a new arrangement of the folk song "Kraut und Rüben" based on Dietrich Buxtehude's "La Capricciosa" and Bach’s Goldberg variation “Quodlibet”, music from one of Georg Philipp Telemann’s operas (yes, Telemann also wrote opera!) and a Cantata written by Charles Burney himself called "The despairing shepherd".

More Info Soon

Join us on 19 June for an unforgettable night of music in a unique setting, bring a picnic and make an evening of it with friends.

Doors open at 6pm, time to enjoy a complimentary glass of Pimm’s from our bar, visit the house, or bring a picnic to have in our Grade II Listed garden at your leisure. 

From 7pm, Apollo’s Cabinet will be performing the music of eighteenth century songstress and comedienne Kitty Clive, a great friend of Horace Walpole. Performances will begin in the garden and continue through the evening in the historic rooms.  

Our House Guides will also be on hand as you immerse yourself in the ambience of Strawberry Hill House, beautifully illuminated as the evening fades. Explore the rooms and corridors at your leisure, with the stories shared by our knowledgeable guides bringing our rich history to life.

Thursday 19 June 2025.

Tickets available for staggered slots from 6:00pm – 6:55pm.

Standard ticket: £25

Students: £17

Patrons and Members: £10 (please ensure that you bring your card with you on the night)

House closes at 8:30pm and gardens close at 9:00pm.

Tickets: https://tickets.strawberryhillhouse.org.uk/event-tickets/66332?catID=13844

THURSDAY 12TH JUNE 2025 @ ABNEY PARK CHAPEL N16 // 7pm

APOLLO'S CABINET: THE COMIC MUSE

The Story of Famed 18th Century Soprano Kitty Clive

“Baroque meets Bridgerton” — Göttinger Tagblatt

Hackney Music Live and Abney Park Trust present the award-winning early music ensemble Apollo’s Cabinet, as they give the first London performance of their new album celebrating the life and times of actor, singer, comedian and women’s rights activist, Kitty Clive.

Kitty Clive, a major celebrity of her time, negotiated the raucous, fast-moving and sometimes unforgiving London theatre scene with intelligence and grace. This immersive performance bridges the gap between audience and performers, with narration, acting and audience participation.  With music by Geminiani, Arne and Handel.

Jonatan Bougt (theorbo, baroque guitar) Harry Buckoke (viola da gamba) Thomas Pickering (harpsichord, recorder, flute) Teresa Wrann (recorder) For this performance they are joined by soprano Lauren Lodge-Campbell and special guests,  violinist Sophia Prodanova and Belfast-born baritone Malachy Frame.

Kindly supported by Continuo Foundation, Making Music, Golsoncott Foundation, Unity Theatre Trust and Arts Council England. 

The Comic Muse
Join us for a vibrant musical journey into the life and legacy of Kitty Clive—trailblazing soprano, sharp-witted actress, and London’s leading lady of 18th-century theatre.
From her rise to fame in a bustling, unpredictable stage scene to her pretend marriage and fight for women’s rights, this semi-staged performance celebrates Clive’s remarkable life and career.
A concert with arias and theatre music by Handel, Arne and Geminiani where Baroque meets Bridgerton.

Tickets: https://purbeckartweeksfestival.co.uk/events/

Generously supported by grants from Continuo Foundation, Golsoncott Foundation, Unity Theatre trust and Arts Council England.

Pills to Purge Melancholy
During the 18th century, music and medicine were closely connected and the effects of music on the body and soul started being researched. Essays like medicina musica and reflections on the power of music were some of the first to discuss a scientific approach to music as therapy, but there also was a general fascination amongst musicians and composers. Marin Marais wrote a piece based on his own gallbladder operation, Thomas D’Urfey aimed to create a musical antidote for depression and in Italy, dancing a Tarantella was said to heal spider bites.

Musical Wanderlust - Charles Burney’s Travels

After initially satisfying his boundless musical curiosity in France and Italy, the prolific music historian Dr. Burney set out to explore other parts of Northern and Eastern Europe in 1772.
In the age of the stagecoach, this was a truly arduous undertaking. And he couldn't even dream of a recording device; music was only available as live performance or as sheet music for the initiated. With music from Venetian Canals, French ballrooms, German courts and English taverns, this programme illustrates the diary of this widely travelled musician.

Tickets: https://www.theater-voorhuys.nl/agenda/apollos-cabinet/

Musical Wanderlust - Charles Burney’s Travels

After initially satisfying his boundless musical curiosity in France and Italy, the prolific music historian Dr. Burney set out to explore other parts of Northern and Eastern Europe in 1772.
In the age of the stagecoach, this was a truly arduous undertaking. And he couldn't even dream of a recording device; music was only available as live performance or as sheet music for the initiated. With music from Venetian Canals, French ballrooms, German courts and English taverns, this programme illustrates the diary of this widely travelled musician.

Musical Wanderlust - Charles Burney’s Travels

After initially satisfying his boundless musical curiosity in France and Italy, the prolific music historian Dr. Burney set out to explore other parts of Northern and Eastern Europe in 1772.
In the age of the stagecoach, this was a truly arduous undertaking. And he couldn't even dream of a recording device; music was only available as live performance or as sheet music for the initiated. With music from Venetian Canals, French ballrooms, German courts and English taverns, this programme illustrates the diary of this widely travelled musician.

The Comic Muse: The Theatrical World of Kitty Clive

Apollo's Cabinet will mark the release of their new recording all about 18th century soprano Kitty Clive - a real celebrity of her time, but then defamed by male colleagues and long forgotten by historians - with a concert tour across the south of England and Cornwall. The programme will be semi-staged and features lots of English theatre music of the time as well as some of the arias she would have performed.

The Comic Muse: The Theatrical World of Kitty Clive

Apollo's Cabinet will mark the release of their new recording all about 18th century soprano Kitty Clive - a real celebrity of her time, but then defamed by male colleagues and long forgotten by historians - with a concert tour across the south of England and Cornwall. The programme will be semi-staged and features lots of English theatre music of the time as well as some of the arias she would have performed.

Travels with Burney - A Baroque musical voyage

This programme is a Baroque musical voyage following Burney on his journey: a kaleidoscope of European Baroque music with compositions from each of the countries he visited, interspersed with readings of his original 18th century diary entries. The programme includes seldomly heard pieces by Austrian composer Johann Heinrich Schmelzer and Czech composer Frantisek Tuma, a new arrangement of the folk song "Kraut und Rüben" based on Dietrich Buxtehude's "La Capricciosa" and Bach’s Goldberg variation “Quodlibet”, music from one of Georg Philipp Telemann’s operas (yes, Telemann also wrote opera!) and a Cantata written by Charles Burney himself called "The despairing shepherd".

Travels with Burney - A Baroque musical voyage

This programme is a Baroque musical voyage following Burney on his journey: a kaleidoscope of European Baroque music with compositions from each of the countries he visited, interspersed with readings of his original 18th century diary entries. The programme includes seldomly heard pieces by Austrian composer Johann Heinrich Schmelzer and Czech composer Frantisek Tuma, a new arrangement of the folk song "Kraut und Rüben" based on Dietrich Buxtehude's "La Capricciosa" and Bach’s Goldberg variation “Quodlibet”, music from one of Georg Philipp Telemann’s operas (yes, Telemann also wrote opera!) and a Cantata written by Charles Burney himself called "The despairing shepherd".

The Comic Muse: The Theatrical World of Kitty Clive

Apollo's Cabinet will mark the release of their new recording all about 18th century soprano Kitty Clive - a real celebrity of her time, but then defamed by male colleagues and long forgotten by historians - with a concert tour across the south of England and Cornwall. The programme will be semi-staged and features lots of English theatre music of the time as well as some of the arias she would have performed.

A dazzling evening of Baroque music.

Apollo’s Cabinet are presenting an exciting and inventive programme, showcasing music dazzling from the Baroque, deconstructing it, reinterpreting it, and reassembling it with other works to create something new.

Composers like Handel, Bach, Telemann, and Quantz often were inspired by each other’s works and adopted melodies, bass lines, harmony, and texts for their own works in a similar or sometimes almost identical way. This continues to happen even today, as composers and artists take inspiration from the Baroque and rework it to be their own. re:invention highlights these links by not only showing similarities between music in the Baroque period but also pairing modern songs with their Baroque roots.

One venue different stages

In the afternoon, the diversity of the KONTOR can be discovered with musical stations. Music goes on tour through the whole building, from baroque to pop, musically coordinated by the Apollo-Kabinett ensemble. And in such a way that the rooms incorporate our creative neighbors, who are pleased to converse with visitors. Whether art studio, landscape architect or robotics lab - this is where those who discover and are curious can have a go.  

Music at the court of Fredrick the Great

On 24 January 1758, Frederick the Second celebrated his 46th birthday – and we’re there! Johann Joachim Quantz leads through the celebrations as master of ceremonies and musicians from Frederick’s court orchestra, as well as Germany’s most gifted composers, perform. But music is not everything: there is dancing, laughter and games, as befits a celebration for a king.

A dazzling evening of Baroque music.

Apollo’s Cabinet are presenting an exciting and inventive programme, showcasing music dazzling from the Baroque, deconstructing it, reinterpreting it, and reassembling it with other works to create something new.

Composers like Handel, Bach, Telemann, and Quantz often were inspired by each other’s works and adopted melodies, bass lines, harmony, and texts for their own works in a similar or sometimes almost identical way. This continues to happen even today, as composers and artists take inspiration from the Baroque and rework it to be their own. re:invention highlights these links by not only showing similarities between music in the Baroque period but also pairing modern songs with their Baroque roots.

Music at the court of Fredrick the Great

On 24 January 1758, Frederick the Second celebrated his 46th birthday – and we’re there! Johann Joachim Quantz leads through the celebrations as master of ceremonies and musicians from Frederick’s court orchestra, as well as Germany’s most gifted composers, perform. But music is not everything: there is dancing, laughter and games, as befits a celebration for a king.