English lute song & L'Invitation au Voyage: concerts at the Institut français

Près de votre oreille

The Institut français in South Kensington continues its occasional series of concerts presenting artists making a welcome appearing in London. This time there is the opportunity to hear the period instrument ensemble Près de votre oreille, founded by gamba player Robin Pharo, and soprano Marie-Laure Garnier, recipient of the Médaille d’honneur de l’engagement ultramarin in 2024

In Blessed Echoes on 9 April 2026, eight musicians from Robin Pharo's ensemble Près de votre oreille will be presenting an evening of English lute song featuring music by Alfonso Ferrabosco II, Robert Jones, Thomas Ford, Michael Cavendish, John Dowland, Philipp Rosseter and Thomas Campion. Pharo and Près de votre oreille released a disc of William Lawes' music on Harmonia Mundi last year [see my review] 

Then on 11 June there is the chance to hear soprano Marie-Laure Garnier in recital. Her programme, L'Invitation au Voyage will take the listener on an expressive journey featuring beloved songs and arias, Guyanese songs and Afro-American melodies.

Full details from the website.