Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 24, 2026

Red Priest

Red Priest is a British Baroque instrumental group that was formed in 1997 by Piers Adams. Currently it is composed of four performers: Adams on recorder, Julia Bishop on violin, Angela East on cello and David Wright on harpsichord. The group is named after the red-haired Italian priest and Baroque composer, Antonio Vivaldi.

Last revised
Jul 24, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
Length
310 w
Citations
4
Source
Red Priest
Red Priest performing in 2015
Red Priest performing in 2015
Background information
Years active1997-present
Websiteredpriest.bandzoogle.com

Red Priest is a British Baroque instrumental group that was formed in 1997 by Piers Adams.1 Currently it is composed of four performers: Adams on recorder, Julia Bishop on violin, Angela East on cello and David Wright on harpsichord. The group is named after the red-haired Italian priest and Baroque composer, Antonio Vivaldi.2

The quartet plays in a flamboyant, theatrical and virtuosic style making use of props, costumes, dramatic lighting and other effects.3 The pieces they perform are generally their own arrangements, though based very closely on the original music by Vivaldi, Bach, et al.4

In addition to touring all over the world, Red Priest are a frequent guest on BBC Radio 3's In Tune programme. They have released several albums, including a contemporary take on Vivaldi's The Four Seasons.

Discography

  • Priest On The Run - 1998
  • Nightmare In Venice - 2002
  • The 4 Seasons - 2003
  • Pirates Of The Baroque - 2008
  • Johann, I'm Only Dancing - 2009
  • Handel In The Wind - 2014
  • The Baroque Bohemians - 2017

Lineup history

1997–2001 2001–2011 2011–2015
  • Peirs Adams – recorder
  • Julia Bishop – violin
  • Angela East – cello
  • Howard Beach - harpsichord
  • Piers Adams – recorder
  • Julia Bishop – violin
  • Angela East – cello
  • David Wright – harpsichord
2015–2023 2023–present
  • Piers Adams – recorder
  • Adam Summerhayes – violin
  • Angela East – cello
  • David Wright – harpsichord
  • Piers Adams – recorder
  • Julia Bishop – violin
  • Angela East – cello
  • David Wright – harpsichord


References

References

  1. "Red Priest: Defying Baroque Boundaries". NPR. 1 March 2008. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
  2. "Biography". Red Priest. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
  3. "Red Priest". AllMusic. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
  4. BBC Radio 3's In Tune programme, 12 May 2010
External links