On Saturday, December 26, 2020, The Trent House Association will be presenting The Practitioners of Musick featuring music that George Washington and his family enjoyed.

Washington’s family – his wife Martha, her two children, and her four grandchildren – all studied music. He himself was said to be especially fond of William Shield’s comic opera Rosina, which was performed in Philadelphia, the nation’s capital, during his Presidency. Some of the opera’s melodies drew on Scottish folk songs, a fact that led some to claim that Shield composed the music for the traditional folk tune, “Auld Lang Syne.”

John Burkhalter and Donovan Klotzbeacher founded the Practitioners of Musick to the research and performance of the musical riches of 18th century Great Britain and the Colonial and Federal periods in America. They have performed and lectured at libraries, museums and historic sites throughout the region and beyond.

At 1:00 p.m., residents will have the opportunity to attend this historic event via Zoom at https://bit.ly/39mqPK9. Suggested donations of $10 can be made to The Trent House Association at www.willliamtrenthouse.org/donation.html.

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