SALISBURY Baroque will be taking audiences back in time for a taste of festivals held in the city during the 18th century.

They will perform in Salisbury Medieval Hall on Sunday at 6pm. Drawing on original letters and documents from the time the programme will feature music specially arranged and first performed here at the Salisbury Music Festival in 1760 and probably not heard in the city for over 200 years.

Nigel Wyatt, whose research has brought the music to light, said: “The programme will feature attractive pieces by James Harris, of Malmesbury House in the Close, that were published in 1800 but despite their popularity at the time have not been performed since the 18th century.”

The programme will also include one of the most popular works of the baroque period, Pergolesi’s setting of the Stabat Mater, with soloists Leila Mather (soprano) and Joe Bolger (counter tenor) as well as music by Handel, James Harris and Boismortier.

The concert will be directed by Theresa Caudle, a regular member of The Sixteen and well-known for her work with fine ensembles including the English Concert, The English Baroque Soloists and the Parley of Instruments Founded by David Morgan, Salisbury Baroque was set up in 2010 to enable local players, and some colleagues from further afield, to share their passion for the music of Bach and Handel and their contemporaries with audiences in historic settings.

They usually play without conductor and using copies of instruments of the period and authentic playing style.

Get tickets in advance from Music Room, Catherine Street., Salisbury, or on the door.