ABSTRACT
1795 would be the busiest year in Viotti's musical career in England. Not only was he acting manager of the King's Theatre for the 1794–95 season, he was also musical director of the newly formed Opera concerts, so called because they took place in the Great Room at the Opera House (King's Theatre). Three new Viotti concertos were announced for the 1795 season, one at the first concert (2 February), one at the seventh (27 April), and one at Ashe's benefit (8 June). The 'specimen' mentioned by Margaret Chinnery was apparently intended for performance at the first concert. At the 1795 Opera concerts the Swedish violinist Madame Gillberg performed a concerto by Viotti at her benefit on 23 April. Viotti's concertos were known in London before his arrival there, and had been performed at the Hanover Square concerts during Haydn's first visit to England in 1791–92, as well as previously at other venues.
