The Pastime Consort is a recorder consort which has played together for many years in venues from Bard on the Beach to Farmers’ Markets. We are available to play at various types of gatherings whether public or private, for arts functions, charitable occasions or community events. Our Gigs page has more information. Click on Contact us to discuss your event.
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About recorders
Recorder music is ideal in group settings as the instruments are sweet, gentle and not piercing, yet they can float over the hubbub of a crowd. Historically recorders were chamber instruments for the intimacy of indoors as well as for open spaces. In Renaissance times, the ‘loud bands,’ which played at public announcements and events, often used recorders with their other instruments and by the 17th and 18th centuries, the recorder was an orchestral instrument. Recorders spoke the music of love, sometimes of sadness, and of the ideal pastoral. They were an instrument of goodwill – the Elizabethan explorers sent their first boats ashore to a foreign land with a contingent of recorder players to signal peaceful intent – and symbolized domestic harmony in paintings and drama. On the dance floor they set feet tapping and in the concert hall they can be virtuosic. Excellent imitators, recorders can sing like birds and proclaim like trumpets. Flexible, pure-toned, expressive, a recorder consort can suit any occasion. Check out our Gigs page to see the types of events and venues we have played at, and our Repertoire page for the range of music we play.
About us
We are a group of up to 8 players, all amateur and playing for the love of music and friendship. We enjoy performing, whether we are playing background music or are a bit more front and centre. Several of us play with other groups such as the performing groups, Bergamasca, the ‘Tea Tootlers’ (watch for us at Beats on Broadway) and ‘Merrie Accord’. Some of us also belong to other motley groups who get together for pleasure, rehearsal and general practice such as the ‘The Lady Killers’ trio, and ‘Bar None’.
Pastime Consort 