Westminster: An Adventure in Musical Connections

Which freed African slave composed popular dance music? Which female composer was imprisoned in Holloway gaol, taught her fellow inmates a number of anthems and conducted performances using her toothbrush as a baton? Did you know that one of Edwin Lutyens’s daughters was a talented composer who, after struggling with a broken marriage, alcoholism and depression, received support and encouragement from the great Russian composer Igor Stravinsky? Who was the famous female pianist who co-founded the lunchtime concerts at the National Gallery during the Second World War and who famously remarked “Never have I played so much and practised so little”? Which famous Viennese composer paid two visits to London in the late 1700s? Recognised as one of Europe’s finest musicians, he enjoyed a warm reception and reciprocated with some of his most celebrated music.From Tudor times onwards, London rapidly grew to become one of the wealthiest and most fashionable cities in the world. The Royal Court, the Church and, increasingly, the public at large had an insatiable appetite for music of all types. This led to the growth of indigenous musical talent and the influx of musicians from the continent all seeking wealth, fame and, hopefully, Royal patronage.This walk through Westminster looks at some very well-known buildings and monuments but digs a little deeper to explore some remarkable and little-known musical connections.Please join me for this fascinating walk entitled ‘Westminster – An Adventure in Musical Connections’. Access – this is a flat walk approximately 3 miles long.