In 1771 Francis Hopkinson wrote to his friend John Penn about the sad state of music in Philadelphia, announcing “poor Signor Gualdo lies in chains in one of the cells of the Pennsylvania Hospital.” Giovanni Gualdo – accomplished Italian composer, performer, concert organizer, and wine merchant- had succumbed to madness! Join The Publick Pleasure as we perform repertoire from Gualdo’s concerts of the 1760’s, hear music composed by him, and learn the story of his tribulations and demise in the hard-scrabble world of colonial Philadelphia.
This program will take place inside the church sanctuary, followed by a reception in Riverside Hall. Admission is $35 for Adult and $15 for Student w/ID, which includes a drink ticket for a beverage of your choice (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). Advanced adult tickets are available at a discounted rate of $30 each until the day before the program.
This program is hosted by Preserve Old Swedes, the non-profit organization that preserves and interprets Philadelphia’s historic Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church and its graveyard. A portion of the proceeds from this event will go toward the preservation of this national historic site.
The Publick Pleasure evolved as a way to share American history through the lens of America’s musical life and to present unique early American concert repertoire in friendly, creative, and approachable concert settings. The Publick Pleasure performs repertoire heard in early American concerts, salons and homes on period instruments. Programs are based on research utilizing contemporary sources such as programs, newspapers, magazines, journals, diaries, financial records, first hand accounts, music publications, and letters.