2024 Daily music at Handel Hendrix House throughout July and August
Handel Hendrix House – the Mayfair museum once home to composer G.F. Handel and rock legend Jimi Hendrix will be presenting Live Music every day between July and August 2024. All the events are free with general admission to the museum, which is open Wednesday to Sunday each week (times of the performances can be found on the website).
In addition to the live music, there will be Family Activities (starting on Saturday, July 20, 2024) inspired by the 275th anniversary of the first performance of Handel’s Firework Music, Talks at 2pm on a Thursday with the museum curator and also the hugely-popular Guitar Saturdays which allows visitors to bring their guitars along and play in the house (next sessions: July 6 and August 3, 2024).
As Simon Daniels, Director of Handel Hendrix House explained: “Music is key to this amazing house and as one visitor put it: “The live music brought the house to life”, so we are thrilled that our visitors during the summer will be able to enjoy a variety of performers.”
In Handel’s day, the finest and most famous musicians rehearsed for his operas in his dining room in Brook Street. Visitors to the house can experience the vibrancy and intimacy of live music in this space as musicians perform music by Handel and his contemporaries on the harpsichord, with other historical instruments and singers.
While in Jimi’s bedroom, visitors can immerse themselves in the sounds of the 1960s. Guitarists will fill the rooms with blues and give a taste of what it would have sounded like when Jimi lived here.
As Joanna Roche, Marketing Manager at Handel Hendrix House says: “Jimi and Kathy’s flat would be constantly filled with music from playing his extensive record collection on his record player to jamming with friends such as George Harrison, the flat was buzzing with music and creativity!”
Among the musicians performing will be harpsichordists Bridget Cunningham and Nathaniel Mander; soprano Angela Hicks; guitarists Laurent Judson, Kevanie Remekie, Tobi Adenaike and many more.
As Kevanie Remekie commented: “As a guitarist, performing in this iconic setting is not just about playing music; it’s about connecting with the legacy of one of the greatest guitarists of all time and experiencing the ambiance that inspired his ground-breaking work. It’s a unique opportunity to pay homage to Hendrix’s genius and draw inspiration from the very room where he crafted his legendary sound. Every music lover that has come listen to me play in Hendrix’s room has an immense warmth and respect for not just the music but also the cultural significance of the room.”
While Laurent Judson added: “I really enjoy performing in the Hendrix flat, it has an incredible energy inside the space. It’s amazing to think of all the musical moments and jams that happened whilst Jimi was living at the property, along with all the other incredible musicians that would visit during the time. I love to meet Hendrix fans and general music/guitar enthusiasts too, it’s great to be able to meet people that travel from all over the world to visit the museum that all share the common interest of Jimi’s legacy. It also feels very rewarding to know that his timeless music still influences so many people to such a high degree, and to be a part of that is a real honour.”
Harpsichordist Nathaniel Mander says: “As a long-time performer at Handel House I had always hoped there would be space for a regular informal performance series. I was thrilled on my return after the superb refurbishments then. Aside from the invaluable opportunities this provides for performers to try out new programmes and repertoire in a relaxed setting, the strains of 18th century music emanating from the first floor simply transform the house into its former glory as a centre of art and creativity. I think Handel would be delighted to know this is still the case and I believe that more than ever this is an indispensable part of London musical life”
Family Activities
During the summer, starting on Saturday, July 20, 2024, the learning studio will be transformed to celebrate the 275th anniversary of Handel’s first performance of the Music for the Royal Fireworks. The Fireworks music was first performed on a grand stage built in Green Park especially for the occasion, decorated with statues, paintings and – of course – the fireworks themselves. Fireworks themed arts and crafts activities will run throughout the summer, all designed to be attached to the museum’s temporary installation of the amazing 18th century stage in the studio. By the end of the summer the Fireworks stage will be fully decorated just like the original, covered in the artwork of visitors from all over the world!
The house is open Wednesday – Sunday 10.00 – 17.00 (last entry at 16:00). Tickets are £14.00 for adults, £10.00 for students and free for the under 16s. Tickets can be purchased in advance on the website www.handelhendrix.org but it is possible to buy a ticket on the day at the museum.
