Young guitarists discover the theorbo at Bury Music Centre
Manchester Baroque was delighted to bring Paula Chateauneuf to Bury Music Centre on Thursday 23 April for a lively and engaging workshop with young guitarists.
Paula introduced students to the theorbo—its unique sound world, historical context, and role within early Baroque repertoire—through an interactive session that brought the instrument vividly to life. Participants explored repertoire and stylistic approaches connected to Manchester Baroque’s Phantasticus programme, gaining first-hand insight into the improvisatory, expressive qualities that define this striking early 17th-century style.
The session offered a rare opportunity for guitarists to connect their own playing with historical performance practice, experimenting with texture, continuo playing, and the imaginative freedom at the heart of the stylus phantasticus.
As part of Manchester Baroque’s commitment to access and engagement, workshop participants were offered complimentary tickets to the upcoming Phantasticus concert, enabling them to experience these ideas in a professional performance setting.
We are very grateful to the Continuo Foundation for their generous support of this workshop activity, helping us extend our work with young musicians across Greater Manchester.
Our thanks also go to Kevin Wallace, guitar teacher at Bury Music Centre, and his colleague for their invaluable support in facilitating the session. We look forward to collaborating with Bury Music Service again in the not too distant future.
