Barefoot Chamber Concerts (“an enterprise noted for both its quality and informality” – San Francisco Classical Voice) presents really good music in the right acoustic and without the formality of most classical music events.
Barefoot’s final concert of the season features, fittingly, the House Band; the eponymous Hallifax & Jeffrey (Peter Hallifax and Julie Jeffrey, viols), with fabulous guest star John Lenti, in a concert of French Chamber Music commissioned (mostly) by the royal patron to end all royal patrons, Louis XIV.
Marin Marais and Robert de Visée both spent their lives in the service of this King (and his successors), creating, together with François Couperin, the distinctive style of chamber music that became popular in Paris until the revolution, and is now enjoying a revival, although social conditions have somewhat improved since the 18th century.
Marin Marais was "Ordinaire de la Musique de Chambre du Roi," the person in charge of the court chamber music. Robert de Visée was one of the chamber musicians, and famously played nightly for the King in his bed chamber, as he was composing himself for sleep.
They worked closely together at Versailles, and their music, although reflecting quite different personalities, shares a language of elegance, harmony, and gestures.
All this in the lovely acoustic of St. Mary Magdalen Parish Hall. You can reserve a seat (recommended) by emailing us at info@barefootchamberconcerts.com and pay at the door when you come!