We’re pleased to welcome Eleanor McIver as our second EMA-style meeting speaker this year. In line with her studies of Classics in Oxford, Eleanor has been involved in some VERY early music recently. She tells us: “Music was a central feature of ancient Greek life. We have countless references to music in literature and vase-painting; song and dance was a feature of most public events and many private ones; learning to play or sing was an important feature of education across the Greek world (for both girls and boys, and not just the social elite). Unfortunately, almost all the evidence for the original melodies has been lost. However, with the help of other evidence we can make substantial discoveries about the rhythms, modes, and instruments in this musical tradition. Eleanor will give an introductory overview of the sort of evidence that is available to us and recent developments in the scholarship of ancient music, with particular focus on the reconstruction of the classical modes.”

Afternoon tea will follow Eleanor’s talk, and then we hope to have some performances from members! Please contact Robert Small if you’d like to perform on the day. Lastly there will be group playing at A415Hz, with music by Byrd, Stoning, Praetorius and Holborne.

We have several 415Hz alto instruments which can be borrowed if you don’t have one of your own. Let Robert know if you’d like to reserve one. Venue: St Scholastica’s music room - see Meetings tab for details . Cost of $15 covers afternoon tea and venue hire.