If you’re planning to visit your nearest library to catch up on work or escape the noise of the outside world this week, you may be in for a surprise.
The Stroud Green Festival has returned for its third year with a programme filled with early and classical music performances and several workshops to introduce new audiences to the soft, string sounds of the lute.
Clare Norburn, a soprano for the medieval folk group The Telling, organises the festival, which will include a number of popup performances in libraries and restaurants around the surrounding boroughs to bring the music to new spectators.
The Stroud Green Festival has already seen a range of different acts, including one of the world leading lutenists, Jacob Heringman and world-renowned soprano, Emma Kirkby, who has sung on more than a hundred recordings.
They have performed in libraries in Muswell Hill and Hornsey and lute songs were even brought together with a cabaret at Piccolo Diavolo Restaurant, in Crouch Hill.
“Emma was voted the most loved soprano by Classic FM listeners and she is well loved and well known internationally.” Says Clare.
“I know her very well so asked if she wanted to get involved and she talked about a project she is involved with, which encourages young lutenists.”
Clare has been proud to bring classical artists to unusual places through the unexpected popup shows.
She adds: “The basis of the festival is to bring together young artists and performers who are in the early stages of their career and very original.
“How else are you going to get a new audience and how will you convince people this music is for them unless you take it to them? That is why we are doing the popup events.
