***TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE DOOR - CASH ONLY***

DOORS OPEN 6:30, CONCERT 7:00

Illuminate Women's Music shines a light on the work of women composers past and present.

Clarissa Payne (flute) and Adam Khan (guitar) are delighted to work with Illuminate to present a programme of music by women from the 17th century to the present day, from France to Brazil to the USA.

Elisabeth-Claude Jacquet de la Guerre (1665-1729), court composer to the Sun King Louis XIV of France, was the first woman ever to have an opera performed, and pushed stylistic boundaries throughout her career.

Brazilian composer Francisca Edwiges Neves 'Chiquinha' Gonzaga (1847-1935) left her arranged marriage when her husband banned her from composing, saying 'I cannot imagine a life without harmony'. Declared 'dead and of unpronouncable name' by her family, she had a long and prolific career as a composer, performer and conductor. She established the first copyright society in Brazil and was active in the movement to abolish slavery.

Composer and flautist Katherine Hoover found in Native American art and literature a lifelong source of inspiration. Her atmospheric and beautiful 'Canyon Echoes' tells a tragic love story - an Apache 'Romeo and Juliet' where the flute plays a central role.

Illuminate is a project to promote the work of emerging women composers and performers. It also gives a platform for historical repertoire by women composers to sit alongside new works. The project has been set up by Dr Angela Elizabeth Slater in 2017, a freelance composer who is a strong advocate of the promotion of women’s music both past and present. The project continues with the support of fellow composers Blair Boyd and Sarah Westwood.

The Mount Without is a Grade II listed former church gutted by fire in 2016, recently renovated and re-opened as a unique an arts and events venue. The acoustic is beautifully suited to chamber music. Relax in the interval on the sofas and armchairs - there will be a bar selling soft drinks and wine.