Performance | Discussion
Jewish Musicians at the Court of Henry VIII
“The musicians of Fretwork make you feel they are addressing you personally.”
Classic FM Magazine
In 1540, King Henry VIII sent to Italy for musicians for the English court. Two families came: the Lupos and the Bassanos. It has recently been discovered that they were Jews, perhaps originally from Spain and Portugal. They stayed, prospered, and founded two musical dynasties that were the backbone of court music for over a century. The musicians of London-based Fretwork, the world’s leading consort of viols, join us to illustrate and discuss this remarkable story.
Fretwork features six skilled string musicians who have traveled the globe performing a repertoire ranging from consort music first printed in 1501 to contemporary compositions written specifically for them. Their music has been featured on soundtracks including The Da Vinci Code, and their most recent album won the Gramophone Award for baroque instrumental music.
$18 | $10 for Spertus members | $8 for students
Or call 312.322.1773.
This program is presented in partnership with
