|
|
|
| Programmes
for 2007-8 |
|
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.
Minstrels
Gallery offer a number of early music concert packages with the
following working titles. If you require a concert tailored to a
specific event or occasion talk to us as we can most probably put
together just what you need.
|
|
|
"Colourful
entertainment covering a great variety of moods with excellent historical
background." -
Aude Gotto - The King Of Hearts, Norwich
|
 |
|
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.
|
|
|
|
"You
were great." - Mike Webb - Welboure Arts Festival
|
|
"Look
forward to seeing and hearing you again." - Megan Barr
- Lichfield Festival
|
|
Wise
Men, Waits & Wassailing
|
|
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. |
|
 |
|
"I
enjoyed your concert and CD."
- Colin Sleath - Wymondham Festival
|
|
"Thank
you so much for bringing us your lovely music." - The Mayor
of Thetford
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
"Terrific,
good musicality, interesting talk." - Princess Street URC,
Norwich
|
|
"An
absolutely delightful evening." - Phil Rowe - Baldock Festival
|
|
Music
for St George
|
|
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. |
|
 |
|
"A
most enjoyable evening." - Nicholas Meade - Hedenham Concert
Series
|
|
"A
vibrant and polished performance of medieval music." -
Felicity Devonshire
St
Lawrence's Centre, South Walsham
|
 |
|
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.
The music will include medieval motets, lively dance music, gentle
ballads, rousing consorts and jaunty catches. A
perfect concert for the spring and summer seasons.
|
|
All in a Garden Green
|
|
Concert
Workshops
|
|
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 ?
|
|
 |
If you're a venue
trying early music for the first time or regularly book music acts,
contact us
|
|
|