page_title: Vocal Concerts
section_title: Revival
hierarchical_section_title: Vocal Concerts / History / Revival
caption_attribution_description: English: Elizabeth Billington by Masquerier, John James now at the Garrick Club (before 1813)
context_page_description: The "Vocal Concerts" were subscription concerts in London, given from 1792 to 1794 and from 1801 to 1821. Leading singers of the day performed at the concerts.
context_section_description: In 1801, with Thomas Greatorex and James Bartleman, Charles Knyvett revived the Vocal Concerts.
   There was a larger orchestra, led by Franz Kramer, and a chorus, and there were additional solosts. The general conductor was Thomas Greatorex at the organ. The subscription was four guineas for the season of nine concerts. Charles Knyvett withdrew from the management in 1803, but continued to perform at the concerts.
  In 1803 Elizabeth Billington became the principal female singer: "the attraction of her name was such that the subscription... closed some days before the concerts commenced". She retired in 1810, and was succeeded by Angelica Catalani. In 1814 the concerts moved to the Hanover Square Rooms.
  By 1821 musical tastes had changed, and instrumental music was preferred. "Glees, English ballads, and the whole ancient school of vocal music, had gone gradually out of favour.... The establishment and rapid increase of the Philharmonic, however, may be considered as the more immediate cause of the failure of the Vocal Concerts." In 1819 and 1820 the series was of six concerts, and in 1821 they came to an end.
caption: Elizabeth Billington
exif: {}