London Festival of Baroque Music: Women in Baroque Music

From female tenors and basses to music by the first professional female composer, the 2015 London Festival of Baroque Music celebrates Women in Baroque Music, putting a rare spotlight on music written by, for, or inspired by women. Particular highlights include music by the woman considered to be the first ever professional female composer, Elisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre, in her 350th anniversary year; rarely heard treasures by composers Barbara Strozzi and Francesca Caccini; distinguished French harpsichordist Béatrice Martin; and the all-female choir, Schola Pietatis Antonio Vivaldi.

In the first year under the new name of London Festival of Baroque Music (formerly Lufthansa Festival of Baroque Music), nine concerts are packed into five days. Artists joining the celebration include Bach Collegium Japan on a rare visit to the UK, star soprano and Festival favourite Carolyn Sampson, and the unique talent that is the Argentine soprano María Cristina Kiehr.