Telephone: 01603 454402
| Programmes for 2007-8 | |
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We
always aim to make our concerts fun and accessible to a wide audience
who may not necessarily have had much experience of live early music.
We will try to use most of our 40 different authentic period instruments
and provide a running commentary on the music, historical setting
and origin of the instruments used. |
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"Colourful
entertainment covering a great variety of moods with excellent historical
background." -
Aude Gotto - The King Of Hearts, Norwich
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A concert exploring what the renaissance was really all about - art, music, religion and science all changed during this period, a change that was happening all across Europe. Whilst Luther was nailing his manifesto to the door in Germany, Henry VIII was changing the political landscape of England for ever. Here Minstrels Gallery chose music to reflect these changes that were later to be called A Golden Age. |
Of The Age |
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"You
were great." - Mike Webb - Welboure Arts Festival
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"Look
forward to seeing and hearing you again." - Megan Barr
- Lichfield Festival
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Wise
Men, Waits & Wassailing
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The title of this festive concert has been chosen to reflect three different strands of musical celebration. Monastic and Church music plays an important part in the Christmas celebration. Secular music also comes into its own at this time of year exemplified by the late medieval and renaissance town bands or "waits". There is also a strong folk tradition surrounding Christmas from the popular mumers plays to the wassailing traditions of the west country. This concert provides a magical mix combining to celebrate this festive time of year. |  |
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"I
enjoyed your concert and CD."
- Colin Sleath - Wymondham Festival
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"Thank
you so much for bringing us your lovely music." - The Mayor
of Thetford
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Forgive
the play on words! The waits of the city were originally the night
guard stationed at the city gates, using instruments they would
announce "All's well."
Later they became the official (and paid!) civic musicians playing at important occasions and festivals. This concert dips into music from all corners of Europe demonstrating the wide diversity of styles that let up to the golden age of renaissance music making. |
Waits
& Measures
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"Terrific,
good musicality, interesting talk." - Princess Street URC,
Norwich
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"An
absolutely delightful evening." - Phil Rowe - Baldock Festival
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Music
for St George
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As the patron saint of England, many would like to see St George's
Day become a public bank holiday, however until that happens we have
a celebration of our own to offer. In this programme we take a look at the myths and tales surrounding St George. From his appearance in mummers plays to the now famous red cross emblem of the crusades, St George provides an interesting yet enigmatic character for this dedicated concert. In celebrating St George we also celebrate the coming new spring, making this an ideal concert for the Easter period. |
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"A
most enjoyable evening." - Nicholas Meade - Hedenham Concert
Series
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"A
vibrant and polished performance of medieval music." -
Felicity Devonshire |
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Taking
it's inspiration from the contemplative cloisters of a medieval
monastery, the beautiful walled fountain gardens of Renaissance
Italy and the Royal palace gardens of Tudor England, All In A Garden
Green explores the wonderful range of music that expresses man's
delight with the natural world. |
All in a Garden Green |
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Concert
Workshops
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Our
concert workshops place the emphasis on demonstration and explanation
rather than an actual concert performance and are developed from
our experience working in schools.
The intention is to give our audience an opportunity to not only hear and learn about the instruments and the music but to have a go themselves. Naturally enough children get a big kick out of trying out these "strange" instruments so why shouldn't adults ? |
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If you're a venue
trying early music for the first time or regularly book music acts,
contact us
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