Some of the Consort in 1982

The ensemble was founded in 1982 jointly by harpsichordist Ian Graham-Jones and Baroque violinist Paul Denley, who led the Consort for fifteen years. Its first performance was an ambitious project jointly with 'Opera 70' to perform Handel's Alessandro. It's first instrumental concert was in January 1982 (here shown a photo taken at this concert; several of the orginal players are still playing with the Consort). It was subsequently led for four years by Julia Bishop, violinist in the ensemble 'Red Priest', when Judy Tarling took over in 2001.

Soloists, all of whom are Baroque specialists, include:

sopranos - Emma Kirkby, Evelyn Tubb, Alison Pickard, Philippa Hyde

altos - Margaret Philpot, Paul Esswood

tenors - Andrew King, Joseph Cornwell, Robin Trischler

basses - Ian Caddy, Adrian Peacock

harpsichord - Sophie Yates, Ruth Dyson, David Pollock

lute - Michael Fields; mandolin - Alison Stephens

violin - Julia Bishop, Catherine Martin

cello - Lynden Cranham

flute and recorder - Jeremy Barlow, Sophie Middleditch, Helen Hooker

oboe - Gerard McDonald, Anthony Robson

clarinet and chalumeau - Martin Harlow, Gerard McDonald

bassoon - Paul Caroll, Sally Holman

trumpet - Stephen Keogh

A HISTORY OF THE CONSORT OF TWELVE

is available, price £6. Copies are on sale at our concerts, or can be obtained form the address on our home page.