The Glasgow Barons Early Music Festival

Celebrate the newly discovered music of Scots organist John Macklean, who Handel brought to Dublin to premiere The Messiah with him.In April 1742, Handel’s Messiah received its first performance in Dublin.

Among the performers engaged for Handel’s celebrated Irish season was the Scottish violinist and organist Charles Macklean, a figure whose remarkable story has only recently come to light.

Through sonatas, Scots tunes and vocal music, The Curious Collection traces Macklean’s career across Scotland, England and Ireland, revealing a musician equally at home in Italianate sonatas and Scottish fiddle music.

Following his journey from Edinburgh and Montrose to London and Dublin, the programme explores the rich and interconnected musical world of the eighteenth century.Aaron McGregor – violinWilliam Cole – harpsichordMhairi Lawson – voiceAlison McGillivray – baroque cello