These sessions have already been hailed as "irresistible" [The Times], "superb" [The Scotsman] and "fabulously unrestrained" by The Guardian, "creating the effect of a late night jamming session", said BBC Music Magazine.

On Sunday 23rd April, BBC Four will broadcast the premiere of the film of Barokksolistene's signature project " The Alehouse Sessions". Curated by Bjarte Eike, Barokksolistene bring their unique performance experience to create the essence and atmosphere of 17th century London when Oliver Cromwell's laws that prohibited excess and closed theatres abolished the city's arts scene. The incredible Barokksolistene musicians perform music by Purcell and Playford, mixed with sea shanties and folk songs – entirely from memory. Part two is The Alehouse Sessions, where the action moves to the ‘tavern’ (a role played this evening by the Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer). I want this band to resemble the mentality of a pop group; from my little black book, an extensive collection of songs and dance music – four hours of music – I only announce to the musicians half an hour before we go on stage which ones we are about to perform.

Talk to a member of staff at the auditorium entrance if you have a disability that means you can’t queue, or you need extra time to take your seat. Of course, all baroque music requires a degree of improvisation – whether secular or ceremonial music. A joyful celebration of 17th-century folk music, fiddle tunes, drinking songs and sea shanties, brought vividly to life by virtuoso musicians Bjarte Eike and Barokksolistene.

Londoners are spoiled for choice — but have you ever floated back to a 17th century tavern by way of classical music? drawing its inspiration from the Shakespearian theatre where there was a direct communication between stage and hall", says Bjarte Eike.Hans Knut Sveen plays anything from harpsichord to harmonium; Frederik Bock plays any kind of continuo – guitar, lute, theorbo and any style up to blue grass; Johannes Lundberg’s roots are in jazz; Milos Valent is one of the greatest Slovak folk string players; Per Buhre is a countertenor and cider-maker extraordinaire; Helge Andreas Norbakken plays all sorts of percussion and drives steam locomotives; Tom Guthrie is a stage director and vocal entrepreneur; Steven Player is our unstoppable pony-tailed dancing Romeo; and I have found a new thrill in jumping out of aeroplanes and teaching yoga. Eike was a beacon of focus throughout, linking his ensemble into a chain of artful exchanges, comic interludes, and audience rapport. Charismatic violinist and director Bjarte Eike and principal members of Barokksolistene, renowned for their Alehouse Sessions, make their LHF debut in this unique collaboration with the Royal Academy of Music. This was the popular music of the streets and taverns where artistic freedom was paramount so that musicians would be free to respond and change to whatever audience might be at hand.