The Harp Consort

The Harp Consort is an international early music ensemble directed by Andrew Lawrence-King, specialising in Baroque opera, early dance-music, and historical World Music.

The Harp Consort improvises within the distinct baroque, renaissance, and medieval music styles. The group takes its inspiration from the 17th-century harp consort formed in England at the court of Charles I: in contrast to the homogeneous string orchestra (also formed at this time), the Consorte brought together diverse types of solo instruments – harp, lutes, keyboards, strings – and voices, to create colourful new combinations in the fashion of the day. Like the 17th-century Consorte, the Harp Consort is formed around the accompanying instruments of the basso continuo. It brings together an international team of musicians who create a rich variety of timbres.