Escape to the stage with Ann Ford (1737-1824)! When British socialite Ann Ford’s father demanded that she marry a man 30-years her senior (who had attempted to pay for her hand in marriage), she was desperate to find a way out. With money she borrowed from her well-to-do friends, Ann rented out some of London’s most prestigious concert venues and launched a concert series to fund her own independence. Despite her father’s attempt to have her arrested for performing in public, Ann’s 1760 and 1761 concert series were a huge success.

Hear some of the music that Ann sang and played on the viol and plucked instruments, including a few of her own compositions! Actor Julie Nelson joins musicians Ashley Mulcahy (mezzo), James Perretta (viol), and Nathaniel Cox (plucked instruments) to frame musical selections with narrated excerpts from surviving letters, articles, and books by and about Ann. All artists are Pioneer Valley locals!

Community Sing & Play to immediately follow the concert! Stick around for tea and cookies and join the Lyracle musicians to sing/play through a few short English pieces composed during Ann’s lifetime. All voices, instruments, and levels welcome.