Rooted in Philadelphia’s vibrant 18th—century Parlor Music tradition, the program envisions an intimate house concert at Benjamin Franklin’s estate in the Fall of 1785, celebrating his return after a transformative decade in Paris. The gathering gave Franklin a welcome break from politics, a chance to reconnect with his Philadelphia friends while sharing European musical trends he encountered in France, and a vivid sense of the cultural exchange that helped shape the young America’s identity. The program features Boccherini, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, Gossec, Rigel, and Pleyel. Many of these composers were not only admired by Franklin but personally known to him through the dazzling Parisian salons of his friend Madame Brillon. These salons were luminous gatherings where music and conversation intertwined, giving life to the spirit of the Enlightenment.
This event is hosted by the Historic Gloria Dei Preservation Corporation. Admission is $30 for adults and $15 for students with I.D. It includes a drink ticket for a beverage (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). Advance registration is highly recommended.
Meet-and-Mingle afterward at Riverside Hall
This concert will take place inside the church sanctuary, followed by a reception in nearby Riverside Hall. For a modest donation, you can treat yourself to delicious gourmet desserts there … and pair them with wine, coffee or tea while you chat with the performers.
About the Franklin Quartet
The Franklin Quartet, named for Age of Enlightenment polymath Benjamin Franklin, performs music from the dawn of the string quartet on period instruments. They bring a spirit of invention, exploration and extensive research to their presentation of early string quartet repertoire, in particular through their passion in bringing forward seldom-heard 18th and 19th century composers.
Individually, the members of the Franklin Quartet are prolific recording artists and have contributed to recordings that have been nominated for six Grammy Awards. They possess extensive experience as specialists in historically informed performance practice, and are highly sought after as soloists, chamber musicians and orchestral leaders across the United States and abroad.
Formed in 2016, the Franklin Quartet is based in Philadelphia, PA and proudly embraces its role as the city’s only period string quartet. Elle Marie Sullivanon of MD Theater Guide had this to say regarding Franklin Quartet’s debut in Washington, DC: “Franklin Quartet performs as a beautiful machine, working together as an ensemble to create music. Not a single moment did one musician outshine any of the others and rather than watching four people play it was an experience of watching four individuals create harmony together.”
