Separated by a wall and 200 years are the homes of two musicians who chose London and changed music. See how they lived at Handel & Hendrix in London.
Operating as usual
Hallelujah, the museum is reopening in May 2023! Click below to read the latest article about the project. Sign up to our newsletter to receive all the information about the reopening and be the first to hear about when tickets go on sale.
https://handelhendrix.org/the-hallelujah-project/
Our Christmas Carol Service will take place next week, on the Tuesday 13th December at 6.30pm in the beautifully festive setting of St George's Hanover Square. The programme will include some music from Messiah performed by the St George's choir, Hallelujah! Join us for some carol singing, mulled wine and mince pies! Click below to buy your tickets: https://handelhendrix.org/christmas-carol-service/ 🎄
Join us on the Tuesday 13th December for festive carols and mulled wine in the beautiful setting of Handel’s church, St. George’s, Hanover Square. When: Tuesday 13th December 2022 Where: St George’s Hanover Square The Vestry, 2A Mill St W1S 1FX London Tickets: £20 (includes entry and a glass ...
Back in 2020, we partnered with Bang & Olufsen and to recreate the exact home audio set-up that Hendrix had when he lived in Brook Street. We are so excited to be taking the audio set-up to St Pancras Old Church Music this Wednesday to celebrate Jimi's 80th. We can't wait to share with you the exact same listening experience that Jimi had. A few tickets are left: https://handelhendrix.org/an-electric-church/
Event supported by Bang & Olufsen
Happy birthday to the late and great Jimi Hendrix!🎂
We are so proud he was a Leak fan ❤️
Experience music as Jimi did in the 1960s with 'Hendel & Hendrix London', who have recreated the setup he owned, when he lived at 23 Brook Street in Mayfair.
https://loom.ly/xOITVVk
Thanks for the 📷 , we were honoured to collaborate.
Happy birthday Jimi! The legend would have turned 80 today. Hendrix was an incredible performer. His genius, charisma and unique sound mesmerised crowds and generations. Here are some quotes from some of our favourite mega-fans.
Help us celebrate the great man by sharing one word that you feel describes him the best, followed by the hashtag . A lucky draw will pick out a winner who will receive a parcel of Hendrix goodies 💜
Hendrix in Worcester is the latest artwork to be installed on the Worcester Plinth, which sits on the riverside in the heart of the city. The vibrant Jimi Hendrix portrait was created by London-based artist Iona Rowland Art and pays homage to the guitarist’s gig at the Worcester Gaumont on 2nd April 1967. It will be illuminated at the launch this Sunday, on Jimi's birthday. You might recognize the artistry as it builds on Iona’s Hendrix in London mural that took stage on the facade of the museum in Brook street in 2021. Iona will be exhibiting and selling her artwork at the Hendrix event next week 💜
Tickets: https://handelhendrix.org/an-electric-church/
Due to circumstances out of his control, Tom Attah has sadly had to back down from performing at our upcoming Hendrix event. We would like to introduce multi instrumentalist .music who will be performing in his place. We are really excited to see and hear her amazing saxophone virtuosity to celebrate Jimi’s 80th!
Tickets are selling fast, grab yours now: https://handelhendrix.org/an-electric-church/
Photos from Museum of Pop Culture's post
Join us on the Tuesday 13th December for festive carols and mulled wine in the beautiful setting of Handel’s church, St. George’s, Hanover Square.
Click below to book your tickets:
https://handelhendrix.org/christmas-carol-service/
Join us on the Tuesday 13th December for festive carols and mulled wine in the beautiful setting of Handel’s church, St. George’s, Hanover Square. When: Tuesday 13th December 2022 Where: St George’s Hanover Square The Vestry, 2A Mill St W1S 1FX London Tickets: £20 (includes entry and a glass ...
The Music for the Royal Fireworks was composed by George Frideric Handel in 1749. A rehearsal was held in the famous Vauxhall gardens which attracted 12,000 people and caused a 3 hour traffic jam of carriages on London Bridge! A week later, in Green Park, the musicians performed in a specially constructed building. The celebratory piece was very popular when first performed, although the event turned sour after a series of incidents. The weather caused many misfires, part of the structure caught fire and a stray rocket injured a few people...
Fireworks were used for grand celebrations in Georgian times. An advertisement for an event in Cuper’s Gardens in the "Daily Advertiser" described the event: " fireworks consisting of, fire-wheels, Fountains, large sky-rockets made by the ingenious Mr. Worman".
Cycles of Loss and Love
10th & 11th November
Aud Jebsen Studio Theatre, Royal Academy of Dance
7.30pm
New English Ballet Theatre - NEBT are delighted to announce they are offering new performances in London, following their exciting and extensive summer tour. Cycles of Loss and Love is a mixed bill focussing on themes of compassion, empathy and support. The programme includes Handel’s 'Ode of St Cecilia’s Day', reimagined into a tribute to the fallen of the First World War.
Book your tickets here: https://www.nebt.co.uk/whats-on/
When Hendrix moved into 23 Brook street, he thought he was living in Handel's old home as the blue plaque was positioned ambiguously in the middle of 23 and 25 Brook street. One night, Jimi swears he saw Handel's ghost in his bathroom mirror! “He had some knowledge of voodoo so he believed in the world of spirits but you can make of that what you will,” says Christian Lloyd.
Here are some snaps from our previous Halloween celebrations in Brook street.
Cannot wait for Loria Boban to perform a special intimate set for Jimi’s 80th! Here she is with her recent single “Moving House”.
We’re already running really low on tickets for this event, grab yours now: https://handelhendrix.org/an-electric-church/
The Jimi Hendrix Experience gave their first performance on 13 October 1966.
It wasn’t in NY or London but in the Normandy town of Evreux, France. They performed to a crowd of around 1,000 at the Novelty cinema, opening for teen idol Johnny Hallyday. This performance was the first of 3 in France with concerts following in Nancy and Villerupt and finally ending in the Olympia, in Paris. L’Olympia was Europe’s biggest venue at the time and left a mark on Hendrix who was impressed with the venue's history. By the time Hendrix returned to perform at L’Olympia in 1967 a year later, he wasn’t the supporting act- anymore, he was a star in his own right.
To celebrate Hendrix’s 80th birthday, we have curated an evening of electrifying live music. Honouring Jimi’s commitment to mind-bending performance, this magnetic programme is designed to inspire. The event will take place amongst the beautiful setting of St Pancras Old Church Music .
For more information and to book your tickets, click here: https://handelhendrix.org/an-electric-church/
Only an Octave Apart
28th September to 22nd October at 7.30pm
Superstar countertenor is a huge fan of Handel & Hendrix and is honorary chairman of our sister charity, the Handel House Foundation of America. Hot on the heals of his sensational performance at the BBC Proms, 'ARC' is bringing a new show to London with cabaret artist
Book tickets here: https://wiltons.org.uk/whatson/753-only-an-octave-apart
The story starts here…
On the 24th September 1966, Jimmy James, accompanied by Chas Chandler boards a plane from New York to London. He changes his name to Jimi Hendrix. His first stop was in Fulham at 60s bandleader Zoot Money’s flat, where his soon-to-be girlfriend Kathy Etchingham was staying at the time. He then went on to perform that evening at The Scotch of St James, the club that hosted everyone from The Beatles & The Animals to Eric Clapton and many more. “People had never seen anything like it. It was haunting how good he was. You just stopped and watched.” Eric Burdon of The Animals.
A few days later, Hendrix performed again at the Scotch, and among the audience were The Who’s managers, who were so impressed that they apparently agreed with Chas Chandler there and then to put Jimi out on their record label. The contract was written up on the back of a napkin and the rest, as they say, is history.
"The story of life is quicker than the wink of an eye. The story of love is hello and goodbye. Until we meet again." (Hendrix, The story of life).
On this day in 1970, the world lost one of the 1960s' most influential guitarists. "M. Phenomenon" took the music scene by storm and his music, style and charisma remains unmatched. London was the place that nurtured his talent, the place he called "first home of my own". His short but impactful career and life came to an end in London on the 18th September 1970. 27 years later, a blue plaque was unveiled in Brook Street to commemorate his life and work. Brook street is the only official recognised Hendrix residence in the world and we are so lucky to have a piece of him in London.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 1926 - 2022
The Handel House Trust sends deepest condolences to The Royal Family on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Handel's music accompanied The Queen’s coronation, and we join with people around the world in mourning Her Majesty's passing.
This week, we partnered with the RSBC and delivered a 3-day workshop to a group of 10 vision impaired children. They worked alongside composer Ben See to compose a unique song, which they then recorded with music label NMC Recordings. 4 singers from The Sixteen joined us on the last day to record with our inspiring young musicians. We cannot wait to share their work with you!
"You could call us a Band of Gypsies" - Woodstock 1969. Jimi and his new band, Gypsy Sun & Rainbow took on the stage at around 9am on the 18th August. They were the last band to perform. Although they were one of the most anticipated acts, bad weather and chaotic conditions had the crowd cut down by half by the time they went on the iconic stage. Here are some snaps of our Woodstock Friday Lates over the years.
The Hallelujah Project is supported by an excellent team with huge experience of working with historic buildings. Meet the team behind the exciting project!
First interview with Helena and Paul from is up on the website.
https://handelhendrix.org/hallelujah-project-interviews/
in 1750 J. S. Bach dies at the age of 65 soon after an unsuccessful eye operation by the oculist and charlatan, John Taylor. Taylor also practiced a failed operation on Handel, however he claimed both interventions were successful. Taylor's practices were highly questionable and included using blood from pigeons as eyedrops! Both musicians suffered from their eye condition. Many baroque compositions were inspired by the musicians’ various illnesses, medical treatments, and even the anxiety brought on by the thought of surgery without anaesthesia. Read/listen to the article below for examples!
https://handelhendrix.org/playlist-baroque-music-medicine/
On the 17th of July 1717, Water Music premiered on a royal barge travelling from Whitehall Palace to Chelsea. The king loved the piece so much that he demanded it be played at least three times during the trip. ‘Alla Hornpipe’ is a very good example of the loud and pompous nature of the piece with piercing trumpet fanfares and jubilant strings. It is said that on this night the Thames was filled with boats and the banks were packed with Londoners desperately wanting to listen to Handel’s performance! Similarly, in the 60's, crowds would gather at the gates of festivals to try and catch a glimpse of Hendrix's performances. These two definitely intrigued, excited and stirred up the crowds in their times!
4th July, 1968 - After spending much of 1968 recording and touring in the USA, Hendrix returned to London, moving into 23 Brook Street with his then girlfriend Kathy Etchingham. For the next three months Hendrix used the flat as his base, giving interviews there, writing new songs, and preparing for his February concerts at the Royal Albert Hall. On learning that Handel used to live next door he went with Kathy to the One Stop Record Shop in South Molton Street and bought some classical albums – including Handel’s Messiah and Water Music. Learn more about Jimi's "first home of his own" in our exclusive Hendrix at home book sold on our Etsy shop online.
What was your first impressions when walking into Jimi's bedroom?
The 29th June 1969 marked the last performance of Jimi Hendrix Experience. The band formed in 1966, shortly after Jimi arrived in London. Their early performances mesmerised and electrified the London venues. Jimi, Noel and Mitch met a crowd stunned in disbelief. "Is that full, big, swinging sound really being created by only three people?" asked Bill Harry. Their final performance at the Denver Pop Festival was as vibrant as the first, if not somewhat hectic with crowds of fans trying to push their way into the festival.
"In bed, just laying there" is where Jimi mostly wrote his music in Brook street. His writing was intuitive and the manager of Mr Love, the cafe on the ground floor at 23 Brook Street, remembers handing Jimi placemats once when he was desperate to put his lyrics on paper. What are your favourite lyrics written by Hendrix?
June 1967 – the Summer of Love – Jimi Hendrix played one of the most iconic performances of the sixties, if not ever. Having “torn Europe to pieces” after arriving in London in 1966, this was Hendrix’s comeback to his native USA, where he had previously been performing in tiny, New York clubs. Hendrix arrived in the US a relative unknown, apart from those who had witnessed his performances in Britain, and “when he left the stage, he had graduated from rumor to legend”.
New Research Assistant position!
Get your CVs and cover letters in before the 15th June. Click here for more information:
https://handelhendrix.org/new-research-assistant-position/
Job Description Job Title: Research Assistant Line Manager: Deputy Director Contract: 12 month fixed-term contract Hours: 0.5 FTE (c.2.5 days per week) Salary: £23,000 pro rata Holiday: 25 days plus bank holidays pro rata Areas of Work Assisting the Deputy Director in the delivery of the narrati...
Handel and his music were very much present in Royal occasions in the 18th century. He created strong ties with the Royal family.
He was commissioned to write music for the coronation of George II in 1727, 295 years ago. The means put towards the musical arrangements were not short of spectacular, with an orchestra that reached around 160 people. Handel was known for tailoring his music to musicians as well as venues, and the grandness of Westminster Abbey and the occasion demanded a huge number of voices and instruments.
The four anthems reached tremendous success and were widely performed during Handel's lifetime, and after his death in 1759. The anthems are still used to this day in British coronations and HM Queen Elizabeth II was anointed as the choir sang Zadok the Priest during her coronation in 1953.
Pictured here is Handel's composition room in Brook Street where he wrote some of his most-loved pieces.
On May 27th 1749, Handel gave his first benefit concert for the Foundling Hospital. The event was so successful that he repeated it with an annual performance of Messiah for the rest of his life.
One of the favourites in our collection is this portrait of Handel that features an impressive gold frame which is a tribute to the story of the finding of Moses in the Ark of Bulrushes. The Foundling Hospital was Britain’s first home for abandoned and illegitimate babies. Plan your visit to hear more about their fascinating history
The May Fayre was the infamous annual festival that took place around Brook Street, and gave Mayfair its name. It reached its peek of popularity in the 18th century, attracting large crowds who came to see acrobatic acts, comedians, jugglers, fencers and dancing. Other popular activities also included foot racing as well as semolina eating contests!
Here are a few throwback pictures of our past May Fayre events.
"Are You Experienced" was released 55 years ago in the U.K.
The album has been described as one of the greatest in the history of rock music. Its mix of blues, soul, rock and R&B was ground breaking and the album anchored itself in London's 60's psychedelic scene.
This musical masterpiece introduced Hendrix's genius to the world and led him to being recognised as one of the best guitarists of all time.
What's your favourite track and why?
"A broom is drearily sweeping
Up the broken pieces of yesterday's life
Somewhere, a queen is weeping
Somewhere, a king has no wife
And the wind, it cries, "Mary""
On the 5th may 1967, "The Wind Cries Mary" was released in the UK. The song was written after an argument with Kathy Etchingham.
Hendrix later said that it represented "more than one person" and in fact, some of the lyrics can be found in some of his older poetry journals.
The song is number 379 on the Rolling Stones "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" and has been recorded by many artists including Sting, John Mayer, Jamie Cullum and Caron Wheeler.
Do you know what song featured on the B side of the UK single?
WORLD PREMIERE CONCERT
CAIO FABBRICIO - G.F. HANDEL PASTICCIO Directed by Bridget Cunningham
24th May at 19:00, St George's Church, Hanover Square
Tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/caio-fabbricio-hwv-a9-gf-handel-pasticcio-opera-world-premiere-tickets-319464726597?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1
Handel’s Caio Fabbricio, first performed in London in 1733 is a brilliant collection of some of the finest 18th-century Neapolitan arias.
Handel's funeral took place in April 1759 and was attended by around 3,000 people. Was Handel the first classical music superstar?
The monument above his tomb, designed by the famous sculptor Louis-Francois Roubiliac, was unveiled three years after his death, in July 1762.
Dear New York City friends,
A benefit concert in support of the Handel House Foundation of America’s campaign to restore Handel’s London home will be held on the Saturday May 14, 2022 at 2pm at:
St Paul’s Chapel
209 Broadway
Manhattan
For more information and to get tickets, click here: https://ci.ovationtix.com/35560/performance/11062771?performanceId=11062771
Our online shop is now open!
Head to our Etsy page: HandelHendrixLondon for a browse.
Make sure you catch "The Misinvestigations of Romesh Ranganathan" on BBC iPlayer, where Romesh and Julia dive into the circumstances that lead to Jimi's death whilst giving an insight into his life here in Brook Street.
25 Brook Street
London
W1K4HB
Tube: Bond Street, Oxford Street. Buses: All buses to Oxford Street (near Oxford Circus and Bond Street tube stations).
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Cannot wait for Loria Boban to perform a special intimate set for Jimi’s 80th! Here she is with her recent single “Moving House”. We’re already running really low on tickets for this event, grab yours now: https://handelhendrix.org/an-electric-church/
The final episode of our podcast, 'Handel & Hendrix Unlocked', is here! This time with the fantastic Emma Dabiri! We talked about Hendrix's hair, garage music and also about Emma's latest brilliant book, 'What White People Can Do Next'. Listen here 🎧 or wherever you get your podcasts https://rss.com/podcasts/handelhendrixunlocked/304513/
Another episode of our podcast has arrived! 🎧 Here we are talking to legend of broadcasting Shaun Keaveny about his memories of XFM. You can listen to the full ep and more on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/0cel3aFKXitCYIPwNHeaGV?si=qGqy-lbdRD2aV0nF_PVkTw
The one and only Dr John Cooper Clarke telling us his thoughts on playing with "a bunch of Herberts". The podcasts are available on Spotify, Google Podcasts and itunes. Listen to this episode here -https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/handel-and-hendrix-unlocked-with-dr-john-cooper-clarke/id1589471360?i=1000537985967
In this clip from Handel & Hendrix Unlocked the wonderful Jenny Kleeman tells us how she discovered Hendrix. How did you discover Jimi? Follow this link for the full episode https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/handel-hendrix-unlocked/id1589471360
Here's clip from our brand new pod! It's Nish Kumar talking about his glittering music career. Check out the link in our bio to hear more from this episode!
You only have ✨ TWO WEEKS LEFT ✨ to visit Handel & Hendrix in London before we close for a huge renovation project! Don't miss out on exploring the homes of both 🎵 George Handel and Jimi Hendrix 🎵 by purchasing your ticket at handelhendrix.org today!
25 Brook Street is the house that belonged to Handel and the place where he composed some of the world’s most enduring Baroque music such as Zadok the Priest, Music for the Royal Fireworks and Messiah. Visit the rooms where he ate, slept, rehearsed and entertained in a modest mid-terraced house for the last 36 years of his life and understand the man behind these incredible works.
The top floor of 23 Brook Street is the flat where Jimi Hendrix lived with his girlfriend, record player and guitar from 1968-69. Step back in time to 60s London and visit the room where he slept, partied, worked and relaxed. Come and see Hendrix’s only recognized home in the world.
See them together under one roof at Handel & Hendrix in London. Find out more - https://handelhendrix.org/
Natural History Museum, London
Cromwell Road
Museum of Domestic Design & Architecture
Boulevard Drive