Flint, a harpsichordist and the artistic director of Brandywine Baroque, got a call from a friend telling her that a 1635 instrument built by Ioannes Ruckers, a member of the legendary dynasty of Antwerp makers, was up for auction in Paris and that she should buy it.
Radio 3 Lunchtime Concert will host more live music throughout the season, including a concert of French sacred songs performed by the Choir of New College, Oxford, a solo recital by harpsichordist Carole Cerasi, and Handel chamber music performed by members of the Academy of Ancient Music.