The Noodle Factory with Paula Chateauneuf on 25th February 2023

The Noodle Factory is a gentle introduction to the art of improvisation, ornamentation and decoration in the manner of the great 16th- and 17th-century Improvisation Masters.

Some people think one needs to be born with an ‘Improvisation Gene’ to be able to extemporise, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.  All that’s required is to learn some basic techniques which can be ‘plugged in’ to a given situation.  16th- and 17th-century writers recognised this, and their fascinating improvisation manuals contain all the materials you could ever need or want to learn to improvise, and expand your ear and musical imagination.  This workshop will be a taster session for anyone who would like to try their hand at doing some early improvisation – it’s very informal and no prior improvisation or early music experience is necessary to take part.  However this course is designed to be inclusive – more experienced improvisers are also welcome and will benefit just as much.

The day will consist of various sessions during which different aspects of early improvisation will be covered, starting with a brief introduction to each subject.  We’ll explore the materials in 16th- and 17th-century manuals and how to use them practically, and then apply those techniques to learn to extemporize on ground basses, create variations on popular tunes, and add your own graces and ornamentation to pre-composed pieces.  There will be both solo and ensemble opportunities.  Improvisation enhances, intensifies, and ‘seasons’ performances, and helps you to make a piece your own.  Singers and instrumentalists are welcome (Pitch A+440) – come along and dip your toe in the water!

The Tutor: Paula Chateauneuf’s playing has been described as “one of the most exciting things on the pre-classical concert circuit”.  A Fulbright Scholar to London, she soon established herself there as one of early music’s leading soloists and ensemble players and became the linchpin of numerous groups including the Gabrieli Consort, New London Consort and Sinfonye.  She has also performed with the Academy of Ancient Music, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, English Concert, His Majestys Sagbutts and Cornetts, Handel and Haydn Society, Avison Ensemble, De Nederlandse Bachvereniging, and Jordi Savall’s Le Concert des Nations.

Paula’s repertoire spans medieval music to the baroque, with particular expertise in early improvisation and the music of early 17th-century Italy.  Her knowledge and skill in the art of basso continuo has made her one of the most sought-after accompanists in early music, resulting in fruitful collaborations with many leading singers.  Her wealth of experience in early opera has led to involvement as both repetiteur and continuo player for numerous international opera houses, including Bayerische Staatsoper, Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Royal Opera House, English National Opera, and Glyndebourne Festival Opera.

Venue Dorridge Village Hall is at the end of a driveway (with a height barrier) off the B4101 between Dorridge and Hockley Heath and is easy to reach from the M42.. The satnav is not pinpoint accurate so when you get near look for :the following:

From Hockley Heath, the driveway to the Hall is the first right after the Railway pub, before the “Welcome to Dorridge” signs and the start of the built-up area.

From Dorridge centre, the driveway to the Hall is the first left after Dorridge Park. If you get to the Railway pub you have gone too far.

Booking is now open until 17th February – scroll down for the booking form.