Purcell’s Polyphonic Party are a trio of musicians come together to combine their love of Purcell, Playford, Baroque and the Nordic Noir. Take one harpsichord, one viola d’amore , one nyckelharpa. Stir occasionally with bouzouki and accordion. Once mixed add one set of bagpipes, a light sprinkling of flageolet and allow to simmer gently together on stage for around 3 hours. Then enjoy some beautifully served up dance music. With a wide range of experience from Playford and social dance to ceilidh and contra Purcell’s Polyphonic Party has a unique sound, combining the beauty and style of the baroque era with raw foot tapping dance energy. You can be assured that a dance evening has plenty of variety.
Visit the Official PPP website. (We keep forgetting to update it!)
Vicki Swan: nyckelharpa, flute, bagpipes
Vicki studied at the Royal College of Music on the double bass. She is best know for playing various types of nyckelharpa (Swedish keyed-fiddle), flute and bagpipes On leaving music college Vicki started down the long path of folk music. Vicki loves to play for dance and has a particular love of all dance tunes from Arbeau, through to Playford on to Regency and beyond all the way to ceilidh and contra. She loves to compose tunes and runs World Nyckelharpa Day,
Jonny Dyer: piano, bouzouki
Jonny is a multi-instrumentalist, performer, composer, arranger, extemporiser and improviser. Classically trained as a pianist and trumpet player, he now specialises in traditional music from the British Isles and Scandinavia. His skills an extemporiser on the piano make him especially sort after in Playford/Regency dance circles. By default, Jonny is probably England’s leading exponent of the Swedish Kohorn (cowhorn) and was just as surprised as you probably are to find out that forests have the most wonderful echoey acoustic to play the cowhorn in!
John Dipper: viola d’amore
John is a respected and established performer, composer, teacher and instrument maker, John grew up steeped in the traditions of Southern England. His unique playing style and compositions convey a deep understanding and passion for indigenous culture. John’s passion for vernacular music led to his degree dissertation focussing on the interpretation of field recordings, looking at intonation, tuning and expression.
Dance to PPP:
01.03.25 – IVFDF 2025 Playford Ball
16.03.25 – Private Dance Party
30.05-01.06.25 – Playford Assembly at Halsway Manor as Purcell’s Polyphonic Party
15.11.25 – Norwich Playford Ball, Norwich as PPP
3.05.26 – May Hay Days
