Named after a tune from The Dancing Master, this program celebrates music as a universal language of hospitality and connection - especially through the experience of migration. Like many musicians today, the Italian violinists and composers Giovanni Stefano Carbonelli, Nicola Matteis, and Francesco Geminiani moved abroad and made England their new home. Alongside their works, we feature selections from John Playford’s The Dancing Master, a beloved collection of English tunes that were often performed in informal settings. Some of these dances carry culinary themes, reminding us how music and food alike have long been shared expressions of warmth, community, and celebration.

One figure who perfectly embodies this connection is Giovanni Stefano Carbonelli. After serving as concertmaster in Handel’s orchestra, he went on to become a royal vintner —a vivid example of cultural integration through both music and gastronomy. In honour of his dual legacy, we propose pairing this programme with a wine-tasting.

In Fine Companion, we revive the tradition of making music for the love of it—with wine, dance, and good company. It is a gesture of connection and openness, an invitation to feel at home, no matter where one comes from.

NICOLA MATTEIS (1650- 1714)

Selection of pieces from Book I of Ayres for the Violin: Suite in G Major

GIOVANNI STEFANO CARBONELLI (1690/91- 1772)

Sonate da Camera a Violino, e Violine o Cembalo No.10 in g minor: I. Largo II. Allegro III. Largo IV. Giga

JOHN PLAYFORD (1623- 1686)

John Come Kiss me from The Division Violin and selection of dances from The Dancing Master

FRANCESCO GEMINIANI (1687-1762)

Sonata for violin and basso continuo Op.4 Nº 5 in a minor: I. Andante II. Presto III. Allegro Affetuoso

Break

NICOLA MATTEIS (1650- 1714)

Selection of pieces from Book I of Ayres for the Violin - Suite in d minor: L’Amore, Gigue, Sarabanda, L’altra Sarabanda

GIOVANNI STEFANO CARBONELLI (1690/91- 1772)

Sonate da Camera a Violino, e Violone o Cembalo No.11 in A Major : I. Adagio II. Allegro III. Adagio IV. Allegro V. Giga

JOHN PLAYFORD (1623- 1686)

Selection of dances from The Dancing Master

FRANCESCO GEMINIANI (1687-1762) (attrib.)

Chaconne upon the Sarabanda Theme from Corelli’s Violins Sonata Opus 5 No.7