Salon Series at Dr Johnson's House: UC8
- Dec 31, 2025
- 2 min read
Salon Series: UC8
Wednesday 25 March
5pm - 6.30pm
£20
Join us for an intimate musical performance by UC8 in this salon-style concert in the historical home of Dr Johnson, kindly sponsored by The Fleet Street Quarter BID.
Dr Johnson's House has a long history of entertaining guests. Richard Gough, who built Gough Square and lived in No. 17, now Dr Johnson's House, devised movable walls in order to open up the first floor and would hold soirees of musical recitals, poetry performance and amateur dramatics to entertain his guests.
In Johnson's day, although he could never afford such lavish gatherings, the practice of reciting poetry - and with it a general celebration of the English language through all he read and wrote here - remained strong.
The Salon Series aims to uphold this tradition, with intimate performances from a variety of musical talent. Join us for a glass of wine and an evening of good company, conversation, and of course, music.
Programme:
Sumer is Icumen in: Traditional song from the 13th century. Author unknown.The Unexpected Early Hour: Music by Renee Esmail, text by Rebecca Gayle Howell, contemporary American poet.
Touch Her Soft Lips: Music by William Walton, adapted by Bob Chilcott from the orchestra score for Henry V. Text adapted from Shakespeare's Henry V.
Mistress Mine: Music by Matthew Harris, text from Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. Chì mi na mòrbheanna : Music by James MacMillan, text by John Cameron, turn of the 20th century Scottish songwriter.
The Bluebird: Music by Charles Stanford, poem by Mary Coleridge Taylor.Bring Us: Music by William Harris, text by John Donne.
O Sapientia: Music by Robert Ramsay. Italian text from 6th century, author unknown.
Leaving St Kilda: Music by Fraser MacDonald, text by Stephanie Green, contemporary Scottish poet.
This Endris Night: Music by Sarah Quartel. Text is a 15th century English poem.
Wild Mountain Thyme: Music by Fraser MacDonald, text by Robert Tannahill
This Marriage: Music by Eric Whitacre. Text by Rumi, 13th century Iranian poet.
The UC8 The UC8 is University College of London's close-harmony vocal ensemble made up of eight student singers. The group is made up of some of the best singers at UCL, and presents at least two concerts a year. UC8 have also featured in a variety of other projects, including film and drama projects.
Your ticket includes the opportunity to look around Dr Johnson's House, to learn about the unique architectural features of the last surviving Grade I listed historic townhouse in Fleet Street Quarter. You will receive a complimentary glass of wine or soft beverage upon arrival.
