The FIRST British Invasion

In the late 18th century Philadelphia saw a large influx of musicians from London and other areas of the British Isles – many coming at the personal invitation of the theater impresario and composer, Alexander Reingale. Musicians who performed with Joseph Haydn and Johann Peter Salomon, who played at the Drury Lane and Saddler’s Wells Theatres, church musicians, and musicians of the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens converged on the capital of the new nation, bringing skill, grit and an entrepreneurial spirit that changed the face of Philadelphia’s musical life. They founded the Musical Fund Society and cultivated musical culture, laying the groundwork for later organizations, such as The Philadelphia Orchestra. Music of Joseph Haydn, Rayner Taylor, Benjamin Carr, JGC Schetky, Hugh Reinagle, and Ignace Pleyel.​

This event is hosted by the Historic Gloria Dei Preservation Corporation, the non-profit organization that preserves and interprets Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church and its graveyard. A portion of the proceeds will help fund these initiatives.