The Band of Instruments

The Band of Instruments, formed by Gary Cooper in 1995, is a versatile ensemble of musicians dedicated to playing, in an enlightened manner, instruments of a number of periods; its repertoire extends from the 17th century to the early 19th century and beyond. Appearances have included BBC Broadcasts, the opening concert at the Southwark Festival, performances at the Tudeley and South Bank Early Music Festivals, and the Magnificat. The Band of Instruments has also accompanied New College Choir on a disc of Purcell anthems for CRD.The Band is currently Early Music Ensemble in Residence at the Faculty of Music in the University of Oxford. Future plans include a regular concert series at the Sheldonian Theatre, and recordings of Charpentier ballet music, and ballet music of Drottingholm. The band has been funded by the Arts Council of Great Britain and the National Lottery.