Florilegium have been appointed Ensemble in Association at the Royal College of Music. The appointment, for two years, will commence in September 2008.

Professor Colin Lawson, RCM’s Director said: “In this 125th anniversary year the Royal College of Music continues to celebrate its great traditions while anticipating the challenges of the 21st century that lie ahead. Following a recent dramatic resurgence of Historical Performance at the College powered by Ashley Solomon, we are greatly looking forward to having Florilegium as Ensemble in Association at the RCM and together look forward to creating new inspiring opportunities for our students.”

Members of Florilegium will take a number of string, wind and keyboard sessions, and it is hoped that this early contact with modern players will encourage a higher proportion of students to consider taking related or second study on the period equivalent of their modern instrument.

Florilegium will give one public performance each term and, where appropriate, will include students from the Historical Performance department. The first, in November 2008, will focus on Couperin. In 2009 repertoire celebrating the anniversaries of Handel, Haydn and Purcell will be presented in the spring, summer and autumn terms respectively.

In addition to their main projects, Florilegium will give frequent masterclasses on 18th century baroque repertoire.