Literary Music
Musical performances inspired by great literature
Literary Music is an inspirational group of professional classical musicians performing programmes inspired by the lives and works of some of our best loved authors.Led by soprano Rosie Lomas the group brings alive the music of literature; from the drawing rooms of the Regency era to the factories of the industrial Victorian cities, performing songs and arias of the period with quotations from the novels, historical background and entertaining anecdotes.Literary Music perform at events throughout the U.K. at stately homes, literary societies and festivals.
“Literary Music is a title after my own heart ... They will bring to the enterprise lovely sounds, historical awareness, and enthusiasm, giving fresh life to words and music.”
Dame Emma Kirkby
Programmes & Bookings
Programmes take the form of an entertaining recital, packed with thoughtfully researched songs and arias, quotations from literary figures and entertaining ‘gossip’ from the period.Historically informed, yet fresh and funny, these programmes can be tailored to the needs of any event and inspired by any number of figures or events.Performers generally include our soprano and pianist duo, but can also include actors, instrumentalists, and even vocal ensembles.Interested?Contact us for details on pricing or to discuss your event.
“Your performance was just perfect for the evening.”
Jackie Herring, Festival Director, The Jane Austen Festival
“Our entire Society was bowled over by their performance”
Christopher Sandrawich, Jane Austen Society Midlands
Past performances include:
A Delightful Diversion written for the Jane Austen Society of North America (2024)
Jane Austen and the Art of Social Distancing written for The Jane Austen Festival in Bath (2021) and also performed at Tabley House (2022)
Jane Austen’s ‘Mr Handel’ written for Handel House (2019)
An Evening with Jane Austen (in collaboration with Adrian Lukis), performed at the Gibraltar Literary Festival (2018) and toured to a number of UK stately homes
A Dickensian Christmas written for a Christmas event in Zurich (2016)
The Music of Elizabeth Gaskell performed for the Gaskell Society and Tabley House (2013, 2014, 2024)
Appearance on BBC1's Masterchef at a Regency lunch (2012)
Plus almost yearly performances for The Jane Austen Festival in Bath from 2012
About Literary Music
Literary Music was formed in 2011 by Rosie Lomas (soprano) and Katarzyna Kowalik (harpsichord), whilst undertaking their studies at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London.Made up of singers, actors and instrumentalists, the group put together fascinating and entertaining programmes of music and words, inspired by literary figuresFollow us on social media for updates on current performances:Instagram @literarymusicensemble
Facebook The Literary Music Ensemble