London Harpsichord Ensemble

The London Harpsichord Ensemble (LHE) is one of the longest-running British independent chamber instrumental groups, established in 1945 by harpsichordist Millicent Silver (1905—1986) and her husband, flutist John Francis (1908—1992), and led since 1981 by their daughter, oboist Sarah Francis (b. 1938). A quintet at its core, LHE can expand to 8-9 players for concertos. The ensemble championed a broad XVIII-century repertoire, including many works of Albinoni, Telemann, Händel, and Mozart, and has a prolific career with several albums released on Unicorn-Kanchana, Saga, and Regis, numerous concert tours, BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM radio broadcasts, and international festival appearances, such as a critically acclaimed ten-concert series for Bach's bi-centennial in 1950 at the Edinburgh Festival. LHE members Sarah Francis — oboe Graham Mayger — flute Frances Mason — violin Margaret Powell — cello Ian Clarke — harpsichord