THE CHELYS Consort of Viols are joined by with mezzo-soprano Helen Charlston at St Mary’s Church in Warwick on November 7.
The concert, part of the Leamington Music Winter Season, is titled The Honour of William Byrd and marks the 400th anniversary of the death of the composer.
This programme explores the proud Englishman, devoted friend, loyal subject, and faithful servant who was, and remains, one of the country’s most revered composers.
The Chelys Consort of Viols have a reputation for their faithful yet fresh interpretations of the consort repertoire. They take their name from an ancient Greek word which referred to a bowed lyre, said to have been invented by the god Hermes.
Helen is a current BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist, and finalist of the 2021 Kathleen Ferrier Awards for which she was a recipient of the Ferrier Loveday Song Prize.
In 2023 she won a Gramophone Award for Best Concept Album and collected the Vocal award at the BBC Music Magazine Awards, both for her second Delphian album Battle Cry – the only recording that year to win at both ceremonies.
Leamington Music’s Artistic Director, Helen Beecroft, said: “We are so pleased to be welcoming Helen Charlston back after she delighted our audience with a song recital in the Leamington Music Festival in May, stepping in at just 48 hours’ notice to cover for another singer who was indisposed. To have her joining the wonderful Chelys Consort to perform here again is testament to her amazing versatility.”
Visit www.leamingtonmusic.org for further details.
