Fretwork (fretwork.co.uk) are one of the world’s leading viol consorts, and have been performing music old and new for almost 40 years. During that time they have explored the core repertory of great English consort music, from Taverner to Purcell, and made classic recordings against which others are judged.
“Fretwork is the finest viol consort on the planet”
Stephen Pettitt, The London Evening Standard
Their series of discs include CDs devoted to William Lawes, Henry Purcell, William Byrd, Matthew Locke, John Dowland and Orlando Gibbons; and recently three discs of J.S.Bach — The Art of Fugue, Alio Modo and The Goldberg Variations — which have been exuberantly praised.
Fretwork are Emilia Benjamin, Emily Ashton, Joanna Levine, Sam Stadlen and Richard Boothby
Other recordings include the earliest instrumental music (Petrucci); Sir John Tavener’s The Hidden Face; Thomas Tomkins; Alexander Agricola & Fabrice Fitch; Ludwig Senfl with Charles Daniels and two collaborations with the choir of Magdalen College, Oxford.
Their recording of concert songs by William Byrd with Emma Kirkby has received particular praise.
In addition to this, Fretwork have become known as pioneers of contemporary music for viols, having commissioned over 40 new works. The list of composers is like the role call of the most prominent writers of our time: George Benjamin, Michael Nyman, Sir John Tavener, Gavin Bryars, Elvis Costello, Nico Muhly, John Woolrich, Orlando Gough, Sally Beamish, Tan Dun, Barry Guy, Thea Musgrave – to name but a few.
The group now frequently presents programmes consisting entirely of contemporary music, though most audiences find that the creative tension of juxtaposing old and new leads to a thrilling experience.
Programme
Orlando Gibbons In Nomine Nos. 1 & 3
William Byrd Fantasia two parts in one the fourth above
Browning
Picforth In Nomine
Thomas Lupo Two Fantasias in five parts
Robert Parsons De la Court
Gibbons In Nomine No. 2
I N T E R V A L
John Jenkins
Pavan
Fantasia in 5 parts
William Lawes Consort Sett in C minor –
Fantazy, Pavan, Aire
Jenkins Two Fantasias in five parts
Henry Purcell
Two Fantazias
Fantasia upon one note
Licensed bar. Doors open 6:45pm. Concert starts at 7:30pm
Please note: on the door on the night adult tickets will cost £28
Children are welcome if, like adults, they can sit quietly and enjoy the music.