April 10, 2026, at 6.30 in the Parish Hall of Saint Mary Magdalen Church, 2005 Berryman, Berkeley

Hallifax & Jeffrey (viols) with John Lenti (theorbo)

The King’s Chamber: French Music by Sainte-Colombe, Marais, de Visée, and More

Barefoot’s final concert of the regular season features, fittingly, the House Band; the eponymous and celebrated Hallifax & Jeffrey (Peter Hallifax and Julie Jeffrey, viols), with fabulous guest John Lenti, theorbo player to the stars, in a concert of French Chamber Music commissioned by the royal patron to end all royal patrons, Louis XIV.

Marin Marais and Robert de Visée both spent their lives in the service of this King (and his successors), creating, together with François Couperin, the distinctive style of chamber music that became popular in Paris until the revolution. Fortunately, there is now a revival of the music, although social conditions have largely improved since the 18th century.

Marin Marais was “Ordinaire de la Musique de Chambre du Roi” in other words, the person in charge of chamber music wherever the King was (mostly Versailles). Robert de Visée was one of the chamber musicians, and famously played for the King in his bed chamber, as he was composing himself for sleep.

As colleagues, they must have collaborated closely during their years together at Versailles, and their music, although reflecting quite different personalities, shares a language of elegance, harmony, and gestures.

6.30 pm, Friday, April 10, 2026 in the Parish Hall of Saint Mary Magdalen Church, 2005 Berryman, Berkeley.

Please enter the Hall from the parking lot (go down the entry ramp 50 yards East of the Church on Berryman), and then down a flight of stairs to the West of the parking area.

Admission $25 (no one turned away for lack of funds).
You can reserve a seat in advance by email to info@barefootchamberconcerts.com, and pay at the door when you com