Leeds Minster will welcome London-based harpsichordist Kiele (Ki) Sacco for a solo lunchtime recital on Friday 17 July, as part of the Minster’s Lunchtime Organ Music Series.
The recital will showcase the expressive range and colour of the Baroque harpsichord through music by Johann Sebastian Bach, François Couperin, Johann Caspar Ferdinand Fischer and Domenico Scarlatti.
The programme explores the evolution of European keyboard music through dance, ornamentation and contrasting national styles, offering audiences the opportunity to experience this repertoire on the instrument for which it was originally written.
Originally from the United States and now based in London, Kiele Sacco specialises in historically informed performance. She is a sessional lecturer in harpsichord at Morley College London and a founding member of two early music ensembles, The Great Bear Ensemble and Duo Pathopoeia. Recent engagements include performances at Prangins Baroque in Switzerland, the Royal College of Music Museum, Danny House, St. George’s Hanover Square, and with the Piccadilly Sinfonietta.
Speaking ahead of the recital, Kiele said: “I’m delighted to be performing at Leeds Minster and sharing some of my favourite Baroque keyboard repertoire. The harpsichord is a remarkable instrument with an incredibly rich history, and I hope audiences will enjoy hearing both familiar composers and some wonderful music that is performed less often today.”
Programme for Kiele Sacco – Harpsichord Recital
From Fantasia to French Suite: Keyboard Journeys Across Europe
A programme tracing the evolution of keyboard style from Renaissance fantasia and English contrapuntal writing through Italian virtuosity to French dance and ornament.
I. IMAGINATION AND INVENTION
William Byrd (c.1540–1623) — Fantasia, BK 63
II. DANCE AND TRANSFORMATION
Johann Caspar Ferdinand Fischer (c.1656–1746) — Chaconne from Euterpe Suite
III. VIRTUOSITY AND GESTURE
Domenico Scarlatti (1685–1757) — Sonata in B minor, K. 27
IV. THE CLASSICAL FRENCH SUITE
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) — French Suite in B minor, BWV 814
Allemande · Courante · Sarabande · Anglaise · Menuet and Trio · Gigue
V. ORNAMENT AND MYSTERY IN FRANCE
François Couperin (1668–1733) — Sixième Ordre
Les Moissonneurs · Les Langueurs-tendres · Le Gazouillement · Les Barricades
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Event Details
Event: Solo Harpsichord Recital
Performer: Kiele (Ki) Sacco
Venue: Leeds Minster
Date: Friday 17 July 2026
Time: 1-1:45pm
Admission: Free admission with retiring collection
