We are a flexible ensemble, capable of performing as a trio or of calling on further players of renaissance winds, brass and percussion to provide a richer sound for grand occasions. As well as concert performances we also play for other events and functions such as historical fairs and banquets, weddings etc. Please use the Contact Us page if you’d like to find out more.
Of all the birds
Music from c.1200-1650
3 or more players
The natural world, and birds in particular, provided a wealth of imagery and allegory for medieval and renaissance musicians, poets and artists. They provided a convenient cipher through which human dramas could be played out at a safe remove, and also served to illustrate the harmony of nature, in contrast to human suffering. Imitation birdsong was also a popular medium through which human musicians could display their virtuosity. This programme reflects both the perfection of nature and the artistry of humans in imitating it.
A History of Dance in Music
4 or more players
From Gace Brulé (c.1205) via Margaret of Austria’s dance book (c.1510), Henry Vlll (c.1535), William Byrd (c1630), Playford’s Dancing Master (1651) and many anonymous masters along the way, Blondel trace the History of Dance in Music.
Enjoy the foot-tapping rhythms and the rich sound world of shawms, recorders, sackbuts, lutes, drums, curtals and bagpipes in this fascinating journey of ‘Strictly – Medieval to Renaissance’
3 or more players
A chronicle of love, loss, chivalry and memory including music by Dufay, Binchois, Bedyngham, Morton, Ciconia, Landini and Machaut.
A recording of this programme is due to be released by First Hand Records later this year.
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Gaudete! The Christmas Story
3 or more players
Four centuries of music celebrating Advent, Christmas, the New Year and the Twelfth Night: rousing wassails, gentle lullabies and exuberant carols—chansons, motets and hymns by de la Halle, Busnois and Praetorius consort with familiar old English carols and dances.
Snowball fight c.1400
Owre Kynge went forth: A life of Henry V in Music
Includes readings by Anthony Taylor
5 or more performers
A programme which follows the life of Henry V in music, from his carefree youth, his accession to the throne in 1413, the Battle of Agincourt and his marriage to Catherine of Valois. The programme includes irresistible dances, compelling love songs, a motet composed for his wedding and of course the famous Agincourt Carol itself.
Eternal Summer
3 or more players
An invitation to a celebration of the joys of summer as seen through the eyes of renaissance lovers, from the humblest goat-herd to the noblest of kings.
Hear songs and dances from across Europe performed on shawms, recorders, curtals and bagpipes, and lose yourself in sounds of midsummer revels from the courts and towns of a bygone era.
