Red Priest is an early music group with a difference. A British Baroque instrumental group that was formed in 1997, originally with eleven members. Currently it is composed of four performers: Piers Adams – recorder, Adam Summerhayes – violin, Angela East – cello and David Wright – harpsichord. The group is named after the red-haired Italian priest and Baroque composer, Antonio Vivaldi. The quartet plays in a flamboyant, theatrical and virtuosic style making use of props, costumes, dramatic lighting and other effects. The pieces they perform are generally their own arrangements, though based very closely on the original music by Vivaldi, Bach and other baroque musicians. In addition to touring all over the world, Red Priest are a frequent guest on BBC Radio 3's In Tune programme. In 2008 the group launched its own record label, Red Priest Recordings. Their albums include Handel in the Wind, Pirates of the Baroque.
Red Priest is an early music group with a difference.