Support Ensemble Hesperi’s second album

Ensemble Hesperi are extremely excited to launch their crowdfunding campaign for their second CD, “A Gift for your Garden”! The music they are going to record tells the story of George Philip Telemann’s passion for his garden in later life, featuring trio sonatas by composers to whom he wrote seeking plant specimens – Handel and Johann Gottlieb Graun – and several works by Telemann himself, including one of his challenging Paris Quartets, a raucous sonata in G minor, and a haunting solo flute fantasia. And, of course, it’s a brilliant opportunity to bring you even more floral airs by their favourite Scottish composer, James Oswald!

The recording will take place in Oxford in just a couple of weeks, and they are on track for an autumn 2024 release. Ensemble Hesperi are absolutely delighted to be recording this CD for BIS Records, a fantastic classical music label with an international reputation.

However, they must front the cost of producing this disc themselves (as is usual these days!), and so they need to raise £5,000 through crowdfunding from the public. Your donations will help to cover costs such as their brilliant sound engineer Oscar Torres, their harpsichord tuner, venue hire for rehearsals and the recording itself, travel, accommodation, etc! If you are able to donate, Ensemble Hesperi would be incredibly grateful – every little helps! Head to the crowdfunding page, where you can learn more about the programme for this CD, and the many rewards available.

Of course, they have been rehearsing hard for the recording, and getting their instruments ready as well! Ensemble Hesperi’s recorder player Mary-Jannet has made a very quick trip to Provence (see picture below!) to have her recorders retuned and re-voiced with her wonderful recorder maker, Philippe Laché.

During the recording, they will take plenty of behind the scenes footage for you, so watch this space.