Curated by Irish baroque cellist Norah O’Leary the programme Basse Instinct explores the resonant world of baroque bass instruments, celebrating the low end of the gamut, with virtuosity and musical give-and-take. 

From their frequent place at the bottom of the ensemble in the continuo section, each bass instrument in turn takes the spotlight, weaving the voices of viola da gamba, cello and organ in a collaboration on equal footing.

Featuring music by Marin Marais and Michel Corrette, and more gems of the French baroque performed by festival favourites Malcolm Proud (organ) Sarah Groser (viol) Norah O’Leary (cello/viola da gamba), and Carina Drury (cello), with renowned viol player Nicholas Milne.