The Rare Theatricall is a young London-based vocal and instrumental ensemble, specialising in the music of Henry Purcell and his contemporaries.

Since the group's debut in February 2008, they have attracted considerable attention for the exuberance, musical detail and historical awareness of their approach, and for their commitment to England's seventeenth century musical heritage. Bringing together some of the brightest players and singers now emerging in the European early music scene, The Rare Theatricall currently holds a Leverhulme Junior Chamber Music Fellowship at London's Royal Academy of Music, where they have so far performed music from William Lawes to Monteverdi, and from John Jenkins to Schmelzer; they are currently engaged on a series of concerts to celebrate the 350th anniversary of the birth of Henry Purcell, culminating in September 2009 with a staged programme of ballet music by Purcell, Locke and Lully.

The musicians of The Rare Theatricall are fascinated by the relationships between music and text, instruments and voices, and music and dance; while focussing on the glorious array of music from seventeenth century England, they hope to bring their unique sound and awareness to music from across Europe during the early Baroque era.

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