Charles Avison in Context: National and International Musical Links in Eighteenth-Century North-East England

Roz Southey, a lecturer at Newcastle University’s International Centre for Music Studies, researches the historical and social contexts of eighteenth century music, particularly in 18^th century north-east England; her publications include Music-Making in North-East England during the Eighteenth Century (Ashgate, 2006), and co-authorship of The Ingenious Mr Avison: Making Money and Music in Eighteenth-Century Newcastle (Tyne Bridge Publishing, 2009). She is also a crime novelist and contributor to local history journals.

Eric Cross has lectured for many years at Newcastle University, where he is now Dean of Cultural Affairs. He has published on late baroque Italian opera and has prepared performing editions for concerts, recordings and stage performances of Vivaldi operas throughout the world. He has conducted UK premieres of two Vivaldi operas as part of the Newcastle Early Music Festival, of which he is co-founder, and is musical director of the Newcastle upon Tyne Bach Choir.