Oxford's resident period-instrument orchestra Charivari Agréable Simfonie has on-going collaborations with over sixty vocal groups (choral societies and professional choirs alike) all over the UK, and has been conducted by many musicians of renown, including Sir Charles Mackerras. The ensemble has appeared at all prominent venues in London, including Buckingham Palace.
A dream chamber orchestra.
Choirs and soloists can be unsettled by their orchestral accompaniment, notoriously horns and brass, but no such qualms about the Charivari, who are as reliable as any singer could wish for. If they were technically competent in the Haydn, we marvelled at their true capabilities in the two Torelli Brandenburg concertos. Exquisitely performed, these exemplified the best of Baroque style, where the string is stroked by arched bows, without pressure or left-hand vibrato, resulting in purity of sound and heightened sensitivity to phrasing and colour. Especially memorable was the second adagio of the F major Brandenburg, with hints of Vivaldi’s Winter glistening through.
Charivari Agréable complemented the chorus with authentic, colourful and beautifully executed sounds. Instruments included violins, viola da gambas, cornetti, recorders, sackbuts, chittarone and chamber organ. The sonority, clarity, and agility of these performers enhanced the music considerably, balancing the chorus with contributions that were very much a vital part of the music's fabric.
Buckingham Palace
BBC Broadcasting House
Brighton Pavillion
Bradford Cathedral
Cadogan Hall, London
Chelmsford Cathedral
Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford
Christ Church Priory, Bounemouth
Convocation House, Oxford University
Douai Abbey
Ely Cathedral
The Grosvenor Chapel, Mayfair, London
Girton College Chapel, Cambridge
Jesus College Chapel, Cambridge
Kimbolton Castle
Lincoln Cathedral
Magdalen College Chapel, Oxford
Merton College Chapel, Oxford
New College Chapel, Oxford
Norwich Cathedral
Peterborough Cathedral
Purcell Room
Queen's College Chapel, Oxford
Reading University Great Hall
Romsey Abbey
The Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds
Royal College of Music
Royal Holloway Chapel University of London
Royal Northern College of Music
Salisbury Cathedral
Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford
St Alban's Cathedral
St David's Cathedral, Pembrokeshire
St John's, Smith Square, London
St Woolos Cathedral, Newport
Tewkesbury Abbey
Trinity College Chapel, Cambridge
Truro Cathedral
Wigmore Hall
St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle
York Minster
A spot-on Baroque band of impeccable musicianship — Audiophile Audition
One of the classiest baroque bands — The Sunday Observer
Playing of the highest order — The Telegraph
You are seduced by the exquisite refinement of sound & incredible intensity — The Guardian
Deeply sonorous timbre superior to the thin sound of many other early music groups, and their elegant phrasing makes their instruments sing — Cathedral Music
