Join us for a special outdoor performances of Gavin’s Antiphonies, which were written for Gavin Henderson by Sir Harrison Birtwistle and premiered at Dartington in 1985, performed in the Pavilion Gardens (6.45pm and 7.45pm) by members of the Brighton Youth Orchestra.
Then at 8pm in the Music Room Royal Pavilion, Orpheus Britannicus; Birtwistle’s Orpheus Elegies comprises 26 miniatures that respond to Rilke’s Sonnets to Orpheus, and tonight’s performers worked closely with the composer on their creation. Enigmatic and multi-layered, they mix vocal settings of the poems with instrumental songs without words. Delicate yet emotionally charged, lute songs are among the true glories of English Renaissance music. Purcell and Downland were masters of the genre, and a selection of their finest examples is an exquisite companion to Birtwistle’s translucent masterpiece.
Andrew Watts counter tenor
Melinda Maxwell oboe
Helen Tunstall harp
Paula Chateauneuf lute
Harrison Birtwistle Orpheus Elegies
Purcell, Dowland Lute songs
Please note that There is a £2 per order charge. Additional postage charges (50p or £1.50) apply.
{youtube}HZCCqas-0LE{/youtube}