​We are deeply indebted to the Continuo Foundation and the Orbis Pictus Foundation, whose generous support made this project possible.

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Our project From Gainsborough’s Salon draws inspiration from the artistic and musical world of Thomas Gainsborough (1727–1788), the renowned English painter and passionate amateur musician. Gainsborough was known for hosting musical gatherings, and he painted portraits of several prominent composers active in 18th-century London—including Johann Christian Bach, Carl Friedrich Abel, and Felice Giardini—reflecting their importance in his artistic circle and the vibrant musical life of the time.

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The first phase of this project featured live performances in London, Petersfield, Culmstock, and Bath in January to February 2025, recreating the intimate salon atmosphere Gainsborough cherished. The programme included works by JC Bach, Abel, Giardini, and the lesser-known Valentino Nicolai (fl. 1775–1798), offering audiences a glimpse into the rich musical tapestry of the period.

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“Thank you for a splendid concert at Petersfield today! We heard elegant music played expertly, together with interesting spoken introductions from the players, giving background, history and context to the music. Well done for re-discovering works by the undeservedly little-known composer, Valentino Nicolai, and for bringing a lively and varied programme to a provincial town where it was enjoyed by an all-age audience.”
— Audience member, Petersfield

 

In March 2025, we embarked on the second phase: recording six harpsichord trios by Nicolai, published in the 18th century but now largely forgotten and accessible today only through the British Library. These works have never before been recorded. The sessions took place at Waterdown House in Tunbridge Wells, using a beautifully preserved 1756 Kirkman harpsichord—an instrument of the type Nicolai’s contemporaries would have known.

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By reviving overlooked repertoire and placing it in vivid historical and cultural context, we hope to enrich the ways audiences engage with music of the past — not just as performance, but as a living, breathing art form.

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We are now in the editing phase of the recording and looking forward to sharing the finished result with you soon (scheduled later in 2025). If you would like to support the final stages of the project, we gratefully welcome donations — every contribution helps bring this unique music to wider audiences.

 

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London Obbligato Collective would like to thank the following team members: musicians Sara Deborah, Carina Drury, and Masumi Yamamoto; other team members John Croft, Tom Pickering, Ed Pickering, Tommy Hawkins, Katrina Burnett and her team; as well as all the supporters and audience members who have generously contributed to this project—especially Tina Vadaneaux and Patrick Matthiesen, without whose guidance and support this journey would not have been possible.