Four hundred years since the very first Thanksgiving meal shared by Wampanoag Native Americans and the people who had crossed the seas in treacherous conditions a year before, Tuned In London presents Memories of the Mayflower performed by talented duo One Voice, One Cello and a Mad Belgian at the Dutch Church in the heart of the City of London.  In 1620 Holland had become a place of refuge for Separatists ("Brownists") escaping persecution in England, just as Protestants in Holland had been finding refuge in England and had been granted this place to worship from the year 1550. The City of London is where much of the finance for the endeavour came from. This church is thus a fitting and timely place for what will be the third outing of this impressive and recently commissioned Song Cycle, which has seen sold out performances in St Mary's Church, Rotherhithe, where the ship's Master Christopher Jones worshipped and is buried.  The voyagers on the Mayflower Ship, made up of religious separatists (most boarded after travelling from Holland where they'd lived for ten years), crew and fairer-fortune seekers, owed their survival on arrival in America to the willingness of the Wampanoag people to show them how to grow crops. This performance sets the scene as we slip into the shoes of those migrating adventurers, whose arrival on American shores led to such a significant impact on the indigenous people already there and on those who were to follow.

One Voice, One Cello & A Mad Belgian is a unique collaboration between two singer songwriters, British cellist Rupert Gillett and Belgian soprano saxophonist and melodeon player Jennifer El Gammal. They are folk singers, jazz improvisers, chamber musicians and storytellers, and their live performances are recognised for their grace, wit and virtuosity.  Narration will be by American actor Nathan Osgood who has played in numerous films, TV productions, theatre and is a regular fixture on BBC audio dramas.

On sale will be a few of the remaining new CDs of the 2020 live premiere, launched in May this year "it's specifically this mix of genres that is so irresistible, along with the church's acoustics and the public's participation. An original album which keeps on getting better the more you listen to it." Belgian national newspaper Le Soir (translated from the original French) as well as another CD still in the making, also based on the live recordings.  Illustrations are by cellist Rupert Gillett. A card machine will be available for merchandise purchases.

This concert is brought to you free of charge but cash donations will be very much appreciated and reservations are requested. 

Doors open 2.30pm. If feeling unwell we ask you not to attend. Bank, Moorgate and Liverpool Street Stations are all nearby. You might not have discovered the Dutch Church even if you know the City of London well, for it is tucked down one of the many historic alleyways.  

This event is brought to you as part of the Tuned In London series of world and folk music concerts put together by Tuned In Events CIC, in collaboration with the Dutch Church