Charles Avison: Why not come back to Newcastle
A talk by David Hughes at St Ann's Church, 16th September 2009
Report by Virginia Armstrong
David Hughes took us on a fascinating overview of Newcastle and London in the early 18th century. Having been born in Newcastle, Charles Avison gravitated to London as seemed inevitable for those wishing to make their name. London had always been the centre of music making in England and there Avison met and was influenced by Geminiani. But, unusually, he returned to Newcastle after a very short period. At this time Newcastle was the 4th largest town in England after London, Bristol and Norwich. The shipping facilities were used by the coal trade, soap and glass makers, pottery and engraving. Of these, coal was the most important with huge taxes being paid on the outward shipments from the only coal trading port in England. Business to the Baltic and Europe thrived.
The precise reason for Avison’s return is not known, but David led some conjectures on the matter - maybe he didn’t like it and was homesick; he certainly found it expensive. Perhaps there just wasn’t room for another great musician in London while Handel reigned supreme. Whatever the reason, Avison returned to a very prosperous Newcastle and became organist first at St. John’s and later at the Cathedral.
He used the money making skills he had learned from Handel’s activities in London and started winter subscription concerts to attract the local gentry, who came for the Assizes and to do business bringing their wives and families, and who wanted evening entertainment. The concerts were held in Mrs. Benson’s Assembly Rooms in Westgate Road. (These are currently being restored and were on view during the Heritage Open weekend in September when a plaque to Avison was also unveiled).
The location in St Ann’s church with the usual excellent buffet supper made this a very pleasant and informative evening.
City and County
November 2009
