Theorbo Today: Let's Play!
The second stage of the Theorbo Today project
Writing new music for baroque instruments,
and performing these works alongside historical works.
FUNDING NEWS
We were delighted receive some funding from the Ambache Charitable Trust: raising the profile of women's music.
Our project also strives to represent women composers on an equitable basis with the men, drawing attention to some fabulous historical works by women as well as supporting contemporary female composers.
This award allowed us to commission new works from Rhiannon Randle (two short songs for lute and voice:
we hope the series wilwl be continued!) - and Zhenyan Li: a trio for harpsichord, bass viol and theorbo.
CONCERTS
December 9th 2022, Richmond (London): Wisdoms. our four new commissions were premiered by the vocal ensemble Philomel with continuo accompaniment, with some pieces from the first stage of the project given a second performance. Alongside these new works we performed works from the early Baroque period, mostly by female composers: Strozzi, Jacquet de la Guerre and Isabella Leonarda.
For more details go to our Concerts Page
February 26th 2023, Hay-on-Wye: we were invited to perform our Wisdoms programme as part of the Hay Music series.
In the beautiful church of St. Mary the Virgin we sang and played to a full and enthusiastic audience.
For more details go to our Concerts Page
We are actively looking for performers: read on!
The first stage of the project saw 16 new pieces of music written for the theorbo with and without voice. Now we want to get those wonderful pieces out into the world, performed by groups interested in new repertoire for early instruments. This year we have four newly commissioned pieces for various combinations of baroque instruments and several new arrangements. This second stage of the project affirms the viability of performing contemporary music alongside historical works, celebrating the differences and similarities and appealing to both audiences.
Pieces available for performers to access:
solos for soprano and theorbo, and soprano and lute
duets for two sopranos and theorbo
a duet for two sopranos, theorbo and lute
theorbo solos
a duet for two theorbos
trio for harpsichord, viola da gamba and theorbo
two short songs for soprano and lute
set of short songs for various combinations of baroque instruments and 1 or 2 sopranos
trio for baroque violin, viola da gamba and theorbo
song for soprano, violin, viola da gamba, harpsichord and theorbo
We welcome applications from any early music ensembles, or singers who work with early instrumentalists,
who are interested in the new works and who may be able to programme one in their forthcoming events.
Let us help you expand your repertoire and open up the world of contemporary music to you!
Contact us to find out more, discuss the pieces or simply to make a connection with us!
Philomel performing in the Brunel Tunnel shaft, Rotherhithe (London) in 2018
Philomel
Philomel is a stunning vocal ensemble, founded in 2017, performing music from 400 years ago alongside new commissions.
Comprising six sopranos, performing unaccompanied or with continuo, Philomel gives performances of great beauty and expressiveness, in atmospheric venues that thrill audiences across London.
Philomel champions female composers through the centuries, bringing to light lesser-known composers of the late Renaissance and promoting contemporary women composers, performing virtuosic, powerful repertoire with and without accompaniment.