Public Research Seminar: Sir Samuel Hellier
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire - Workshop 2
200 Jennens Road, B4 7XR
Free booking required
Seminars are in RBC Workshop 2 and can also be accessed online via Zoom.
A link to view the seminar via Zoom will be emailed ahead of the session.
Real and virtual doors will open around 3.25pm, the seminar begins at 3.30pm and discussion will conclude around 4.55pm.
Wheelchair users are entitled to a complimentary companion seat.
You can book a free companion ticket by selecting the seat next to yours on the seating plan.
Or, for unreserved seating plans, add a second ticket to your basket.
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Public Research Seminar: Sir Samuel Hellier’s Band of Music
Martin Perkins (Royal Birmingham Conservatoire)
Sir Samuel Hellier (1736–1784), was a Staffordshire landowner and barrister whose life-long passion for music resulted in the accumulation of a large collection of music, and of musical instruments. The personal letters and papers of Sir Samuel and his circle, which are still in private ownership, reveal the circumstances behind Sir Samuel’s musical activities which included commissioning organs for his house and the village church, organising public concerts, and forming his own orchestra comprising estate workers, tenants, and villagers.
This Research Seminar discusses Sir Samuel’s Band of Music, revealing his efforts to procure instruments, music, and tutors for its members. It will examine the network of musicians and music traders in London and the Midlands which he relied on, financial constraints, and the motives behind his cultural and philanthropic aims. This study forms part of a wider project culminating this year, which sees the Hellier letters, editions of his music and accompanying audio and video made available for the first time.
Martin Perkins is a Senior Lecturer in Music, and Head of Historical Performance at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. His research interests include performance practices of the 17th and 18th centuries; organology, and music-making in 18th-century Britain. He has authored articles and book chapters on the music trade and music collecting, and has co-authored a project and book.
* If you wish to join us online, please register and you shall be sent Zoom codes by email shortly before the seminar. It is not necessary to register in advance for in-person attendance.
Running time approx. 90 minutes