Previous Concert Offerings

The Publick Pleasure:
Music of 18th c. Philadelphia

A program exploring repertoire enjoyed in the public concerts offerings of 18th century Philadelphia.

Originally performed January 15, 2023 at the Main Line Early Music Series.

Stop the Bells Tolling:
Music of Philadelphia and the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793

A dramatic concert of befores and afters, exploring changes in Philadelphia's musical landscape caused by the city's Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793. Concert life, performers, impresarios and musical tastes in Philadelphia underwent profound shifts as the population fled the city, and ordinary life ground to a halt. The city's own soundscape changed, with church bells silenced and gunpowder exploded in the streets. Including texts from period newspapers and personal accounts of 1793 as companions to musical compositions from before and after Philadelphia's "unhappy calamity.” 

Originally performed November 19, 2023 at the Main Line Early Music Series and September 14th, 2024 at the Philadelphia Fringe Festival

Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité:
Music of France & St. Domingue in 18th c. Philadelphia

In the 1780’s and 90’s Philadelphia teemed with French boarding houses, French schools, French dancing masters, the French language, and French cuisine. During the slave rebellion in St Domingue (colonial Haiti) Philadelphia was flooded with refugees (both colonists and enslaved & free persons of color), including musicians and dancers. In this concert The Publick Pleasure explores the French footprint in Philadelphia, including original research into a public concert performed during the 1790’s by a “gens de couleur” (free person of color) who had been principal violinist in the colonial opera theaters of St Domingue. Music of Pleyel, Viotti, Couperin, Davaux, Gretry & Bécourt.

Originally performed November 24, 2024 at the Main Line Early Music Series

Swedes, Souls & Sailors:
Music of Wicaco in 17th & 18th c. Philadelphia

A concert focused around Pennsylvania’s oldest church. Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church was the spiritual hub of Swedish immigrants settled along the Delaware River. Old Swedes’ proximity to the port on the Delaware also made it a destination for mariners – both religious and rowdy! Featuring music of the Rudman Hymnal, the “Swedish Handel” Johan Helmich Roman, traditional Swedish folk songs and  18th century sea shanties.

Curated for Gloria Dei (Old Swedes' Church) Philadelphia and originally performed there January 19, 2024

Sympathy Towards a Soldier:
The Music and Death of Major John André

During the British occupation of Philadelphia, Major John André was a favorite among tory young ladies and well loved by his peers. An accomplished flutist and artist, Major André organized the opulent Meschianza celebration for General Wm Howe that scandalized the city’s beleaguered citizens. Within two years of the Meschianza, Major André was arrested for espionage in league with Benedict Arnold. In this concert we’ll explore the musical life and ungentlemanly death of this “man of honor” with readings from contemporary letters, diaries and newspapers, and music of the British occupation. 

Originally performed September 19, 2025 at the Philadelphia Fringe Festival

The FIRST British Invasion:
Musicians of the British Isles in late 18th c. Philadelphia

Late 18th century Philadelphia saw an influx of musicians from London and other areas of the British Isles. Musicians who performed with Joseph Haydn and Johann Peter Salomon, who played at the Drury Lane and Saddler’s Wells Theatres, church musicians, and musicians of the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens all converged on the capital of the new nation, bringing skill, grit and an entrepreneurial spirit that changed the face of Philadelphia’s musical life. Music of Joseph Haydn, Rayner Taylor, Benjamin Carr, JGC Schetky, Alexander and Hugh Reinagle, and Ignace Pleyel.​ With Guest Artist Sylvia Berry on fortepiano.

Originally performed at Old Swedes' Church Philadelphia, January 18, 2026

Amour et Mémoire:
A Salon of French Philadelphia

Philadelphia has always been alight with French influence. Indeed, 18th century Philadelphia was lavish with French culture: French language, dance, food, clothing, boarding houses and names. After the French Revolution and the Slave Rebellion in the French colony of St. Domingue, Philadelphia became a landing place for a large number of French refugees. Join us for a concert that explores love and memory - modeled as a salon of an 18th c French home in Philadelphia. Music of Rameau, Barriere, Corrette, Mehul, Beauharnais & others.

Originally performed February 13, 2026 at HIll-Physick House as part of the PhilaLandmarks Series, and April 25th, 2026 at Old Swedes' Church Philadelphia

A Stranger in the Country: The Musical Prowess of Henri Capron

French cellist, singer, guitarist, music teacher, composer, and music publisher Henri Capron lived a life of stunning musical versatility, virtuosity, and entrepreneurial hustle! The Publick Pleasure explores Capron’s time in Philadelphia, & New York through music he wrote, published, played and taught. With special guest, Daniel Swenberg, English & “Spanish” guitars.

Originally performed March 22, 2026 at Old Swedes' Church Philadelphia

Mainfest Delight: The Musical Tastes of the Founding Fathers

Franklin was an ingenious inventor, Washington was a renowned leader and statesman, and Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence - but what kind of music did they like? Did they play? Compose? Dance? Join The Publick Pleasure as we explore the role of, and personal tastes in, music in the lives of the Founding Fathers.

Originally performed April 12, 2026 at the Main Line Early Music Series

The Most Favourite Music:
A Re-creation of the Philadelphia City Concerts

Eighteenth century Philadelphia saw a lively and burgeoning music scene after the relaxation of cultural restrictions enforced during the Revolutionary War. European trained musicians sat shoulder to shoulder with American political elites, theater performers, and denizens of the French colonies. The subscription “City Concerts” of Philadelphia offered a melange of musical tastes performed in publicly accessible venues such as the City Tavern, the French Lodge, and Oeller’s Hotel. Often followed by a ball, these concerts were attended by no lesser persons than George Washington himself! This re-creation of a “City Concert” offers an immersive experience of living history  -  featuring music from Philadelphia’s stages, ballrooms & chamber music concerts of 1780’s & 90’s.

Curated for Tempesta di Mare's Soundtrack of Independence Festival, and performed there May 15 & 16, 2026

Tories, Rebels, Citizens & Spies:
The Noise of a Revolution

Curated for the Blue Hill Bach Festival and to be premiered there July 2026