Ensemble Hesperi is a dynamic and innovative London-based Early Music ensemble, dedicated to showcasing the infectious c...harm and dazzling virtuosity of eighteenth century Scottish music through imaginative programming and collaboration with other art forms. In 2019, the ensemble embarked on a unique project, ‘The Pheasant’s Eye’, featuring Highland dancer Kathleen Gilbert, supported by a Lottery grant from Arts Council England. In February 2019, the ensemble was featured by Classical Music Magazine and recorded in studio for Classic FM; they were also selected as Britten Pears Young Artists for 2020 on the ‘Chamber Music in Residence’ programme and as ‘Take Note’ artists for Chiltern Arts Festival. In November 2020, they were delighted to win first prize at the London International Festival of Early Music’s Young Ensemble Competition, and in September 2021, third prize at the prestigious International Van Wassenaer Competition in Utrecht. Also in 2021, the ensemble was honoured to be one of the first grantees of the Continuo Foundation, and the first Early Music group to be chosen as City Music Foundation Artists.
Ensemble Hesperi performs regularly for those who have no opportunity to hear live classical music through the prestigious outreach scheme ‘Live Music Now’. The ensemble has also developed a strong relationship with Chelsea and Westminster Hospital’s charity, CW+: they were honoured to be invited to present two Handel Concerti Grossi at the celebration service for the Tercentenary of the hospital in May 2019 at Westminster Abbey. From March 2020, the ensemble have created regular online content, live-streaming weekly to an enthusiastic audience arounds the world, and recording music videos and full concerts in isolation. In April 2020, the ensemble received an Emergency Coronavirus Response grant from Arts Council England, which supported a new online dance and Scottish music project, “Highland at Home with Hesperi”.
Ensemble Hesperi performs regularly for those who have no opportunity to hear live classical music through the prestigious outreach scheme ‘Live Music Now’. The ensemble has also developed a strong relationship with Chelsea and Westminster Hospital’s charity, CW+: they were honoured to be invited to present two Handel Concerti Grossi at the celebration service for the Tercentenary of the hospital in May 2019 at Westminster Abbey. From March 2020, the ensemble have created regular online content, live-streaming weekly to an enthusiastic audience arounds the world, and recording music videos and full concerts in isolation. In April 2020, the ensemble received an Emergency Coronavirus Response grant from Arts Council England, which supported a new online dance and Scottish music project, “Highland at Home with Hesperi”.
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