SUMMER at Hestercombe Gardens is always a delight – especially when The Phoenix Singers are in concert.
Under music director Andrew Maddocks, the choir will perform an evening of music celebrating the words of Shakespeare to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Bard’s death.
The programme, called Shakespeare on Love, has various settings of his words by William Mathias, Matthew Harris and John Rutter.
Also featured are some of the great madrigals from the 16th century such as Sing we and chant it by Thomas Morley and Adieu, sweet Amaryllis by John Wilbye. The Birthday Madrigals by Rutter were written to celebrate the 75th Birthday of the great jazz pianist George Shearing and using the inspiration of the Elizabethan madrigals have a wonderful light swing, certain to get the audience toe-tapping! The Phoenix Singers will be accompanied on the piano by John Bodiley.
To add variety and contrast, there will be recitations from Shakespeare’s plays, several vocal items by Phoenix baritone Gareth Dayus-Jones and soprano Mary Morgan, and solo pieces by guest performer lutenist Steve Graham.
Drinks will be available from 6.30pm with the concert commencing at 7pm. There is also the option of a combined pre-concert supper and concert ticket. Make an evening of it and enjoy a pre-concert supper in the Column Room Restaurant. Tickets must be purchased through Hestercombe either online at www.hestercombe.com or by ringing 01823 413923.
Sunday, July 3.
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