An illustrated talk on The Hanseatic League
Rodrigo Calveyra
Director of Canto Fiorit
Although delayed after leaving a half-dozen of his instruments on the train from Gatwick, the charming and erudite Brazilian musician, Rodrigo Calveyra, an expert on the Hanseatic League and director of Canto Fiorito, arrived breathless and excited at the Friends Meeting House, for his very informative and interesting illustrated talk.
The Hanseatic Way operated between the 13th and 17th centuries and linked many cities in Northern Europe from London to Tallinn. This event introduced the history of this great trading league and the musical culture that flowed along the trade routes, with a smattering of maps and lots of paintings to give a flavour of 
the linking architecture, culture and fashions that joined up these cities and their fiercely protected monopolies. Calveyra explained how composers, singers, conductors and musicians of the time would travel between cities like bees, cross pollinating musical culture and bringing new themes, ideas and styles to fertile rich courts to embed, grow and be cultivated.
Our historical journey reminded and emphasised the shared musical culture and heritage that we share with our northern neighbours and the free movements of talented people and novel ideas, which enriched us as an island and which goes back many hundreds of years.
Although lacking in any music this gentle exploration of an often overlooked important stage in the development of northern European music and the development of trade and culture was a most pleasant way to spend an hour.
Full details of the event can be seen on the BREMF website here:
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