A Spring Garland

Anonymous

As the summer sun shines down on the flowery meadows we invite you to join us on this exploration of the various emotions of love as we present a concert of English and Italian Madrigals. Forming a large part of this concert we will be exploring the works of John Dowland, in the 400th anniversary of his death, an English composer and lutenist whose compositional output focused on telling the more melancholic side of love and its various trials. Another highlight of the programme is Monteverdi's Lamento d'Arianna the only surviving music from his opera L'Arianna telling the story of the Cretan princess's abandonment by Theseus and subsequent betrothal to the God Bacchus. The opera was originally premiered as part of the wedding celebrations of the Duke of Mantua in 1608. Interweaving between these are Madrigals telling of various tales of love gained, desired or spurned which will envoke the listener to laugh, cry or dance with joy. Supporting this programme we are delighted to feature Sara Salloum (Lute) and John Treherne (Harpsicord).