Louis, the Sun King, tells the fascinating story of the life of Louis XIV illustrated with the music of Louis’ court played on his favourite instrument, the viola da gamba!

During the performance, the viol is played, its characteristics described and its history explained. After a question period, the audience is invited to come and see the instruments.

Once upon a time there lived a little prince….

This is the story of the birth, childhood, adulthood, court and country of France’s most celebrated monarch, Louis XIV. Told in music, art and words, the unusual story of the life of a boy born under a lucky star inspires children’s imagination as it conjures up a colourful, intriguing and fascinating world.

An unexpected pregnancy to a mature mother, Louis’ birth was very public with hundreds of citizens present waiting to hear the news! When hats were thrown in the air, a cry of joy echoed across the realm: it was a boy! A huge boy, he was born with a tooth in place! All augured well for the new royal who would go on to build a court that was the envy of the world, father many children from wife and mistresses, build the grandest palace of Europe filled with the latest art, music and dance. A great dancer himself, his dance master, who gave the king daily lessons, was his highest paid member of the court! But all was not so sunny for the Sun King: Louis suffered throughout his life……

The music performed is by Sainte-Colombe, Marais, Hume, Couperin, etc. and the art works are slides of the greatest paintings spanning Louis’ life portraying his family life, lady-loves, palaces, gardens and battles!