The String Sinfonia has launched again this year, and we’re busy working hard in preparation for the concert at the start of December.

A Baroque Christmas will see the ensemble performing excerpts from Part One of Handel’s enduringly popular Messiah with the Cecilian Choir and Scholarship singers, as well as two instrumental works by Vivaldi, including the seasonally-appropriate ‘Winter.’

Barring a few of the players who were away yesterday, here is the group in the hall, which yesterday resounded to joyous choruses from the Handel oratorio, and also includes the department’s new harpsichord, played by Your Loyal Correspondent. The ensemble seems to have a natural stylistic empathy with Baroque repertoire, and has already developed an exciting sound.

Come along on Friday 4 December (details here) to hear them in action; on the strength of these early rehearsals, it already promises to be quite something…