Programmes

With soprano duo Fair Oriana (Penelope Appleyard and Angela Hicks) we introduce you to the many animals in our menagerie, from the shepherdess Phyllis with her flock of sheep, a frog and mouse who get married, a flying Pegasus and a lapdog who plays a dangerous game as the favourite of Queen Elizabeth I. Not to mention Three Ravens contemplating a rather grisly breakfast, and a dancing baboon…!
 

Exploring the life and legacy of Orlando Gibbons, we look at his sacred music, secular madrigals, beautiful consorts, alongside some of the composers who taught him, and others who followed in his footsteps. We are joined by soprano Gwendolen Martin and tenor David de Winter.

​During the Spanish Inquisition of 1492, many Jews moved to new countries and sought to live in safety there. The Duarte family moved to Antwerp, where Leonora was born several generations later into a family who had become successful and respected merchants with a keen interest in, and patronage of, the visual arts and of music. The Lupo family moved first to Italy, but later were recruited to Henry VIII’s court as he sought to expand his musical prowess. For over 100 years the Lupo family composed and played at the royal court in a country where it was illegal for a Jew to live.

Renaissance and traditional folk music celebrating the turn of the seasons - crown the May Queen, dance around the maypole, pick apples in Linden Lea, shelter from cold winter's ice - eat, drink and be merry!