Our 2024 event featuring French music for the court of Louis XIV was a great success. Thanks to all those who helped out or attended the concerts. Next spring’s Denman Baroque workshop and festival runs from May 4 to May 10, culminating in a production of Handel’s Alexander’s Feast. This will be the seventh edition of our event. after successful workshops on Purcell’s Dido & Aeneas (2017), on Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo (2018), on Purcell’s The Fairy Queen (2019), on Blow’s Venus & Adonis (2022), 
on Monteverdi Il Ballo delle Ingrate and madrigals (2023), and on music of Lully and Charpentier for the court of Louis XIV (2024). The program will once again be under the expert musical direction of the world-renowned baroque harpsichordist and composer Marco Vitale. In rehearsals, he will be assisted by instructors Carolina Pace (winds), Paul Luchkow (strings), Adam Dyjach (voice), and Marta Semkiw (continuo). In addition to Alexander’s Feast, the instructors will present a concert of baroque chamber music.
Handel’s Alexander’s Feast is an ode to St. Cecelia, the patron saint of music. The libretto by Newburgh Hamilton from a poem by John Dryden was originally set to music by Jeremiah Clarke in 1697 for the celebration of St. Cecelia’s day. Unfortunately, the music has been lost. In 1736, Handel composed music for the same libretto. Productions of this work were a great success and led to him switching from Italian operas to oratorios in English, including the famous Messiah. Dryden’s poem tells the tale of Alexander the Great (image of Alexander the Great by Peter Candid, ca 1605) celebrating a military defeat of the Persians in the captured city of Persepolis with a great feast. Alexander's Feast explores the power of music to "swell the soul to rage, or kindle soft desire."
We are particularly keen to attract past and new workshop participants. The workshop provides a unique opportunity to meet and sing or play with other  musicians in the baroque style as well as receive instruction from world-class professional tutors. This year, we will perform in baroque pitch (A4 = 415 Hz). String players may use modern instruments if fitted with gut strings.
Baroque bows are preferred (we may be able to find you one). Applications for workshop participation will be accepted from now until January 8, 2025.
The application form and further information is available on this website and on Denman Island in an envelope in Abraxas books under B. 

This event is organized by Denman Early Music, a committee of Arts Denman. Any donations to help in funding of Denman Baroque festival are most welcome. Payment may be made by cheque (payable to Arts Denman with note Baroque Festival) or through this website at denmanbaroque.ca/support-us.

I hope to see you all in May!