Many Splendoured Things - Music for St Valentine

Following last year’s very successful Music for St Valentine we are holding a concert on the 10^th February at the Town Church St Peter Port at 6.30.  Guests are invited to join us for a glass of wine from 6pm.

A specially selected program of music by 4 local groups on the theme of love and romance.

The programme spans the ages from early to contemporary music. It examines all aspects of love from the divine to the romantic, from the tragedy of Henry VIII’s burdens to the comedy of Miss Otis Regrets by way of everything from early lute songs to a Hebrew love song. We hope this alternative Valentines event will prove reflective and inspirational.

The music groups are as follows:

Octo Voces

is an acapella group with a very eclectic repertoire, performing arrangements by the Swingle Singers, Voces 8, and original compositions by up & coming composers including Kerensa Briggs. The repertoire is chosen to reflect complex harmonies and textures of contemporary music written for eight parts. 

Cantores Coutances

is an ensemble of three men’s voices that transcribes and performs music from the late medieval & early renaissance periods. This evening draws entirely on music known to have been sung in the court of Henry VIII. The love songs come in two flavours, one of which is not entirely suitable for ladies. Tonight, the music (including three of Henry’s own compositions) is entirely chivalrous.

Arcadia Guernsey

is a mother and daughter consort for Lute and Voice that will perform two renaissance love songs this evening. The gentle tones of the lute combine with the female voice in a simple, melodious and heartwarming fashion.

Quintet Recorderis

is a “low recorder consort consort”, spanning tenors, bass, great bass and  the mammoth, 7 foot tall, contrabass recorder. The sound world is akin to an early pipe organ and works particularly well in a church acoustic. The evening’s performance consists of Madrigals by various renaissance composers from Dowland to Morely. The group also includes Lutanist Kate Morris and some early music percussion. We will also perform a rondo based on Charivari, the “rough music” performed by banging pots and pans while parading around town to bring about justice in the community.

Entrance is free with a retiring collection.

Further information on the event can be obtained from Tim Feak the concerts organizer photography@timfeakcom  07781 428 553