Birds, Beasts and Bugs

All creatures great and small have frequently been a source of inspiration for composers of choral and vocal music. In this concert, you can enjoy pieces in the widest variety of styles, from the Renaissance to the present day, all with an animal theme.

Youll hear how different composers view the same creature - Thomas Vautors Suffolk Owl contrasting with Elgars eerie setting, and the bee as envisaged by John Wilbye, Frank Bridge right up to a recently premiered work by Cecilia McDowall. The Nightingale is heard in the Vienna of Alban Berg but also in Berkeley Square. Orlando Gibbons Silver Swan is paired with an Italian swan.

You can expect the widest variety of styles and moods, from the tranquil beauty of John Taveners The Lamb and Eric Whitacres Seal Lullaby , to the humour of Frederick Bridges The Goslings and Philip Colls Animal Songs .

We are joined by John Winter as our pianist, and are led by our musical director David Lardi.