ARMONICO RECORDINGS
Armonico Consort and Baroque Players have collaborated with some of the finest musicians to produce world-class recordings, which have gained widespread critical acclaim for their innovative programmes and exceptional quality.
Our CDs are available at all major retailers, iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Apple Music and Presto Music www.prestomusic.com For assistance please contact: marketing@armonico.org.uk or 01926 800109 ext 1
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
AUG
Purcell Dido & Aeneas
09 Festival de Torroella, Spain
SEP
James May & Oz Clarke Charity Concerts
10 Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon
11 Church of the Holy Cross, Moreton Morell
12 Warwick Hall, King’s High School
Rachmaninov Vespers
21 Roman River
J.S. Bach Mass in B Minor
27 Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick
28 Malvern Theatres
OCT
J.S. Bach Mass in B Minor
02 Lighthouse, Poole
Purcell Dido & Aeneas
04 Rottingdean Arts
Chaconne
18 Malvern Theatres
21 Court House, Warwick
NOV
The Armed Man
12 Coventry Cathedral
20 Wells Cathedral
27 Worcester Cathedral
BOOKING TICKETS
DEC
Handel’s Fireworks
05 Malvern Theatres
18 Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry
Carols by Candlelight
15 Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick
21 Lighthouse, Poole
23 Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick
2026
JAN
Handel’s Fireworks
29 Lighthouse, Poole
A Moment of Calm
31 Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick
FEB
A Moment of Calm
01 Malvern Theatres
MAR
Naked Byrd 2 05 Wimborne Minster
Forgotten Scarlatti 06 Trinity College Cambridge
St Matthew Passion 24 Malvern Theatres
26 Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick
27 Wells Cathedral
Tickets for most local performances can be purchased from the Royal Spa Centre & Town Hall Box Office, Royal Pump Rooms, The Parade, Leamington Spa CV32 4AA.
OPENING TIMES: Mon-Fri 10am-4pm | Sat-Sun 10am-3pm | Bank Holidays Closed
Tickets can also be purchased by phone: 01926 334418 or online: www.armonico.org.uk
At many of our performances we provide free or discounted companion tickets for disabled ticket holders who need assistance. Please check with the box office when booking. If you have specific access queries or queries about the performance, please contact us via email hello@armonico.org.uk
JAMES MAY & OZ CLARKE’S CHARITY CONCERTS
Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime musical adventure as TV legend James May trades horsepower for pedal power in an unforgettable charity bike challenge — and he’s bringing along his witty partner-in-wine, the brilliant Oz Clarke!
Joining forces with the sensational musicians of Armonico Consort, James and Oz will cycle across the country, stopping at charming pubs and buzzing cafés, where they’ll spontaneously burst into song, share a story or two, and maybe even pour you a glass! Yes, James May started off as a musician and will be performing LIVE, a rarity since his university days!
This year, as part of the bike challenge, expect a spellbinding mix of Bach, Monteverdi, and Vivaldi, plus jaw-dropping surprises from the last 300 years of music… all brought to life in thrilling ticketed concerts featuring Oz, James, and a lineup of special guests.
WED 10 SEP 2025 | 4.15pm Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon
TICKETS: £12.50
Box office: 0333 666 3366 www.armonico.org.uk
THURS 11 SEP 2025 | 4.30pm Church of the Holy Cross, Moreton Morell TICKETS: £12.50
Box office: 0333 666 3366 www.armonico.org.uk
FRI 12 SEP 2025 | 7pm
Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick TICKETS: £14.50
Box office: 0333 666 3366 www.armonico.org.uk
James May
SPECIAL GUESTS
HOLY TRINITY CHURCH
Stratford Girls Chamber Choir
CHURCH OF THE HOLY CROSS
Moreton Morrell Village Choir
ST MARY’S CHURCH, WARWICK
King Henry’s Consort from Warwick Schools Foundation
TICKETS ARE LIMITED FOR THESE EXCLUSIVE EVENTS
Every penny raised supports Armonico Consort’s vital community outreach work, bringing music and joy to those who need it most.
PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS
SUSCEPIT ISRAEL
J.S. Bach (Magnificat)
LAUDAMUS TE VIVALDI (Gloria)
AVE MARIA
J.S. Bach / Gounod Accompanied by James May!
JESU JOY J.S. Bach
PUR TI MIRO Monteverdi
ZADOK THE PRIEST* Handel
GOODNIGHT SWEETHEART
I WAS GLAD* Parry
* Warwick only
Oz Clarke
‘It is the best of him, and that brings out the best in us.’ Christopher Monks
J. S. BACH MASS
IN B MINOR
ARMONICO CONSORT & BAROQUE ORCHESTRA DIRECTOR | CHRISTOPHER MONKS
It could be argued that J.S. Bach’s Mass in B Minor should have been titled ‘Bach’s Greatest Hits’, for that is what Bach himself aimed to achieve with this masterpiece. Composed over the final 25 years of his life and completed just one year before he died, the Mass is scattered with music and references that Bach considered to be his best work, or movements which he had allowed to develop over time and had returned to ‘perfect’ at a later date. Never performed complete in his lifetime, the work is in effect Bach’s own self-obituary, how he wanted to be remembered by the world. If you have never heard it live, this is absolutely one concert you must not miss.
SAT 27 SEP 2025 | 7.30PM
Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick
TICKETS: £37.50 | £26.50 | £20.50 | £15.50
Box office: 01926 334418
www.armonico.org.uk
Generously supported by John Cook, Braunston Marina, and Rosemary Holding
SUN 28 SEP 2025 | 7.30PM
Malvern Theatres
TICKETS: £31 | £28 | £25
Box office: 01684 892277
www.malvern-theatres.co.uk
Generously sponsored by John Osborn CBE
THU 2 OCT 2025 | 7.30PM
Lighthouse, Poole
TICKETS: £29.50 | £25.50 | £19
Box Office: 01202 280000
www.lighthousepoole.co.uk
CHACONNE
ARMONICO CONSORT & BAROQUE PLAYERS
DIRECTOR | CHRISTOPHER MONKS
SOPRANO | HANNAH FRASER-MACKENZIE COUNTERTENOR | WILLIAM TOWERS
The ground bass has been a fundamental rock of music composition for centuries and has not only given rise to some of the greatest and most popular works ever written such as Pachelbel’s Canon in D Major, but also to rarely performed gems such as Che si puo Fare by Venetian Baroque composer – Barbara Strozzi.
This concert celebrates the extraordinary versatility of this simple but incredible musical force – taking a few artistic liberties in the process.
PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS
Johann Pachelbel
- CANON AND GIGUE
Barbara Strozzi - CHE SI PUÒ FARE
J.S. Bach
- DEN TOD NIEMAND ZWINGEN KUNNT’ (BWV 4) - WIR EILEN MIT SCHWACHEN (BWV 78)
Henry Purcell - CHACONNE IN G MINOR
- CHACONNE FROM THE FAIRY QUEEN
- DIDO’S LAMENT
- SOUND THE TRUMPET
Claudio Monteverdi
- PUR TI MIRO
- ZEFIRO TORNA
Jean-Baptiste Lully - CHACONNE
SAT 18 OCT 2025 | 5.15PM
Malvern Theatres
TICKETS: £19
Box Office: 01684 892277
www.malvern-theatres.co.uk
TUE 21 OCT 2025 | 7.30PM
The Courthouse, Warwick
TICKETS: £27.50
Box Office: 01926 334418
www.armonico.org.uk
KARL JENKINS THE ARMED MAN
ARMONICO CONSORT & ORCHESTRA
AC ACADEMY CHOIRS
DIRECTOR | CHRISTOPHER MONKS
Commissioned by the Royal Armouries to mark the new millennium, Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man is dedicated to the victims of the Kosovo conflict, whose tragedy was unfolding as it was being composed. Blending genres and cultures, and embracing the full range of emotions that the war evokes, Jenkins conveys a powerful message for world peace.
We will be joined by the forces of hundreds of children from our AC Academy choirs in the region, helping recreate the performance initially intended, featuring a world premiere by British Composer Andrew Wainwright.
SPECIAL GUESTS
- The Choristers of Coventry Cathedral Choir
- Wells Cathedral School Chamber Choir
- King’s School Worcester Chamber Choir
WED 12 NOV 2025 | 7PM
Coventry Cathedral
TICKETS: £24.50 | £19.50
Box office: 01926 334418 www.armonico.org.uk
THU 20 NOV 2025 | 7PM
Wells Cathedral
TICKETS: £24.50 | £19.50
Box office: 01749 832207
www.wellscathedral.org.uk
THU 27 NOV 2025 | 7.30PM
Worcester Cathedral
TICKETS: £24.50 | £19.50
Box office: 01684 892277
www.malvern-theatres.co.uk
HANDEL’S FIREWORKS
ARMONICO CONSORT
& BAROQUE ORCHESTRA DIRECTOR | CHRISTOPHER MONKS
Composed for the coronation of King George II, and performed at every coronation since, Zadok the Priest and The King Shall Rejoice have stamped their mark on music history as some of the most powerful and evocative works to have been composed for such an event.
Made up of 18 short movements for chorus and soloists, the Te Deum is one of Handel’s most splendid works, written to celebrate King George II’s triumphant return from the Battle of Dettingen in 1743. The concert also features the famous Fireworks Music, composed in 1749 to accompany the royal celebrations for the ending of the War of the Austrian succession.
PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS
Dettingen Te Deum
Music for the Royal Fireworks Coronation Anthems
FRI 05 DEC 2025 | 7.30PM
Malvern Theatres
TICKETS: £34 | £31 | £28 | £25
Box office: 01684 892277
www.malvern-theatres.co.uk
THU 18 DEC 2025 | 7.30PM
Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry
TICKETS: From £23.50
Box office: 024 7649 6000
www.warwickartscentre.co.uk
THU 29 JAN 2026 | 7.30PM
Lighthouse, Poole
TICKETS: From £17
Box Office: 01202 280000
www.lighthousepoole.co.uk
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
ARMONICO CONSORT DIRECTOR | CHRISTOPHER MONKS
Carols by Candlelight has become a firm tradition of Armonico Consort’s festive programme over the past 24 years. What better way to enjoy the warmth and joy of the Christmas season than in the sublime candlelit setting for a feast of carols, combining traditional favourites and newly discovered works.
Due to popular demand and with this selling out year after year, we have now added more dates this December in Warwick and at Lighthouse, Poole. Be sure to secure your tickets to avoid disappointment and join us for the most anticipated concert of the year!
Don’t miss out on the chance to purchase Armonico Consort’s recent carols recording ‘Noel’ which will be available this Christmas.
MON 15 DEC 2025 | 7.30PM
Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick
TICKETS: £37.50 | £26.50 | £20.50 | £15.50
Box office: 01926 334418
www.armonico.org.uk
Generously co-sponsored by Moore & Tibbits Solicitors and Roger Medwell MBE DL
SUN 21 DEC 2025 | 4PM
Lighthouse, Poole
TICKETS: £29.50 | £25.50 | £19
Box Office: 01202 280000
www.lighthousepoole.co.uk
TUE 23 DEC 2025 | 7.30PM
Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick
TICKETS: £37.50 | £26.50 | £20.50 | £15.50
Box office: 01926 334418
www.armonico.org.uk
Generously supported by David Phillips MBE & Phillips and Becker Accountants Ltd.
PROGRAMME
NOVA NOVA Farrington
AWAY IN A MANGER Jaques
BETHLEHEM Roberts
STAR SONG Dove
SHERPHERD’S CAROL
Chilcott
O MAGNUM MYSTERIUM
Victoria
LULLY LULLA Stopford
ANGELS CAROL Rutter
SILENT NIGHT Rathbone
O MAGNUM MYSTERIUM
Lauridsen
MY LORD HAS COME
Will Todd
A MOMENT OF CALM
By Candlelight
ARMONICO CONSORT & BAROQUE ORCHESTRA
DIRECTOR | CHRISTOPHER MONKS
SOPRANO & ELECTRIC HARP | ELOISE IRVING
Our Naked Byrd concert series and recordings defined the second decade of Armonico Consort. This exquisitely crafted programme which intertwined magical chants by Hildegard of Bingen and incredible 16th Century Polyphony, is the most powerful choral music of the 20th Century.
A Moment of Calm is a brand-new programme which brings together international soprano Eloise Irving with her electric harp, and our world class choir in music, which will transport you through a journey of charm, beauty and reflection.
PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS
THE LAKE ISLE Ola Gjielo
UBI CARITAS Ola Gjielo
LUX AURUMQUE Eric Whitacre
REMEMBRANCE Will Todd
SEAL LULLABY Whitacre
LULLAY LULLA Philip Stopford
BENEDICTUS Karl Jenkins
SLEEP SONG Lovland
THE GALLANT WEAVER
James Macmillan
MAY IT BE Ryan / Enya
PLAINSONG Hildegard of Bingen
Duration: 1 hour, no interval
SAT 31 JAN 2026 | 8PM
Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick
TICKETS: £37.50 | £26.50 | £20.50 | £15.50
Box office: 01926 334418 www.armonico.org.uk
SUN 01 FEB 2026 | 8PM
Malvern Theatres
TICKETS: £34 | £31 | £28
Box office: 01684 892277 www.malvern-theatres.co.uk
This concert will be recorded in February 2026 and released later in the year. We are very grateful for the support of Hilary Eldridge, member of the Conductor’s Circle, who has enjoyed Eloise’s wonderful performances for many years, for making this recording possible.
Wednesdays | 1pm-2.30pm
All Saints Church
Vicarage Fields, Warwick, CV34 5NL
£6 per session
Thursdays (bi-weekly) | 1pm-2.30pm
The Onward Club
107 Helmswood Drive, Chelmsley Wood, B37 7NS
£5 suggested donation per session (carers go free)
Thursdays (bi-weekly) | 10.30am-12pm
Coventry Dementia Partnership Hub
Everdon Road, Coventry, CV6 4FB
£5 suggested donation per session (carers go free)
Details may be subject to change. Please check www.armonico.org.uk/communities
We are hugely grateful to all the generous supporters who fund Memory Singers, including a range of Trusts and Foundations and dedicated individual donors.
Singing sessions for people living with dementia and their carers
Singing has been proven to help people living with dementia to unlock memories and re-establish cognitive pathways. Our sessions are led by specially-trained musicians and bring people together in a fun, friendly and safe environment. Starting with relaxed refreshments, followed by fun warm-ups, activity songs and a wide variety of familiar tunes, the sessions can help build new friendships and boost confidence, helping people to feel more positive and supported. They are open to anyone living with dementia or other neurological condition, but participants need to be accompanied by a carer.
We are looking for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers to support our Memory Singers Groups in Warwick and Solihull.
Please contact Sarah Riddell: Email sriddell@armonico.org.uk or call 07722 632242
To book a place or for further information please contact Sarah Riddell: Email sriddell@armonico.org.uk or call 07722 632242 Come and join our friendly and supportive team of volunteers who help make this joyful programme happen.
Tasks would involve preparing the concert area and audience seating, programme selling and checking tickets.
Please contact Becky Coates: Email bcoates@armonico.org.uk or call 01926 800109 ext. 1
AC ACADEMY SCHOLARSHIPS
Applications are considered throughout the year to become an AC Academy Scholar. Gain valuable experience in the professional music world and benefit from:
• Free singing lessons, mentoring and coaching from the UK’s best teachers / leaders
• Solo opportunities and prestigious performance opportunities alongside professionals
• Boosts confidence and self-esteem
• Concert tours and bursaries for music courses
• Oxbridge/University choral scholarship support
For more information contact Ann Hannan: ahannan@armonico.org.uk
Biographies
IN SCHOOL CHOIR CREATION SCHEME
Armonico Consort’s Choir Creation scheme delivers sustainable in-school music education and CPD through generous support from our funding partners. Schools work with our experienced leaders to achieve the following over a 5 session, in person programme:
• Whole class/choir singing in Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3
• Start new choirs or develop existing choirs
• CPD training for teachers to be a choir leader
• Ongoing mentoring support for new choir leaders
• Perfomance opportunities at large scale events, including the Royal Albert Hall every 2/3 years, alongside professional muscians
• Armonico Consort achievement award and impact evaluation for school leadership
For more information, contact Nathan Cole (Director of Operations and Outreach): ncole@armonico.org.uk
JOIN AN AFTER SCHOOL AC ACADEMY CHOIR!
Our popular AC Academy after school choirs for children aged 7-18 are expanding:
SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE
Tudor Grange Primary Academy, Meon Vale
Tuesday | 4:15pm-5:30pm
WARWICK
The Courthouse, Warwick
Tuesday | 5.00pm-6.30pm
By Audition Only
COVENTRY
St Mary and St Benedict Catholic Primary School
Wednesday | 4.15pm-5.30pm
NORTH WARWICKSHIRE
Birchwood Primary, Dordon
Thursday | 4.30pm-5.45pm
SCAN TO SIGN UP >
Become A Member of Armonico Consort
THANK YOU TO OUR EXISTING MEMBERS!
We welcome new members to our high-value membership programme. All members receive exclusive benefits such as early booking on selected concerts, 10% off CD purchases, an annual reception, a dedicated Facebook page and acknowledgement in all our publications. Premium Patron, President’s Circle, and Conductor’s Circle members enjoy a free programme and complimentary glass of sparkling wine at each concert as well. Speak to a member of the Armonico Consort team to find out more about becoming a member or upgrading your membership to the next level today!
If you would like to learn more or would like to donate to Armonico’s vital work, please visit: www.armonico.org.uk/support-us
THANK YOU
We are so grateful to have had the 20 year relationship with Phillips 66 limited & JET –the company who’s world-wide philanthropic approach has had a massive impact on what our charity has managed to achieve.
In 20 years we have staged over 1000 concerts with over 150,000 young people and musicians, created over 300 choirs in schools and trained 300 teachers as choir leaders. We have worked with hundreds of children with special educational needs, creating performances with them at the Royal Albert Hall which have stolen the hearts and set on fire the imaginations of tens of thousands, created choirs for those living with dementia, and staged hundreds of workshops in businesses using singing to help improve mental health in the workplace.
This – and Phillips 66 limited setting up a choir of their own which has performed alongside 1000’s of our singers in some unforgettable performances over the years. We hope the memories will last a lifetime!
Thank you, Phillips 66 limited & JET, from all at Armonico Consort and the communities we exist to serve.
Armonico Consort proudly welcomes and thanks our brand new sponsor BaByliss International
For 24 years people who have simply fallen in love with what we do – individuals and businesses alike – have supported Armonico Consort concerts. Looking ahead to our 25th anniversary in 2026, we are now calling for more people who love our music to sponsor our silver anniversary programme of concerts.
Scan here for more and find out how you can celebrate with us! Or visit: www.armonico.org.uk/ armonico-consort-turns-25
EXCLUSIVE TO ST MARY’S, WARWICK CONCERTS
ENJOY OUR GLORIOUS MUSIC WITH A TASTY TIPPLE – THE PERFECT ACCOMPANIMENT!
Try a a glass of wine specially recommended by our friend and wine expert Oz Clarke. All profits from drinks sales go to supporting our outreach work.
CORPORATE SPONSORS
BaByliss International
Moore & Tibbits
Solicitors
Phillips and Becker
Accountancy
Services
Rayburn Tours
NP Aerospace
Castrads Limited
Braunston Marina
Limited
PATRONS
Debbie Austin
Dr Kate Bailey
Mrs C Beecham
Mr Jazz Bhamra
Mr & Mrs D & H
Bradley
Helen Brittain
Mr Michael Burrows
Mrs S Carr-Wu
Coralie Clark
Mrs J Cooke
Mr M J Cooke
Mrs Gemma Davies
Mr Anthony E Davies
Rebecca Earle
Mr & Mrs Faulds
Tony & Helen
Fitzpatrick
Mrs D Fowler
Mr Malcolm Garner
Yvette Glover
Caryll Green & Dr
Elizabeth Saxon
Mr Malcolm Harbour
CBE & Mrs Penny
Harbour
We are especially grateful to the following Benefactors who have given most generously to support our work:
Dr Barbara A Harland
Monica Heath
Gillian Higginson
Jon Jeffery
Mr Andrew Lawton
Miss Jennifer Lorch
Miss Ursula Lowe
Mrs S J Liggins
Brian & Wendy Lloyd
Robert Macpherson
Dr F C Millard
Mrs H Mills
Jeremy Moody
Dr A Nicholls
Ms Benedetta Polk
Dr & Mrs C P Rourke
Mr Jim Rowley
Peta Sams
Mr David Sarginson
Mrs Elizabeth Simpson
Dr Derek Smith
Mr James
Sommerville
Pamela Stanier
Mrs Sidney Syson
Mr I M Taylor
Mr & Mrs CJL Thorne
Mrs Patricia
Tomlinson
Mrs J Upward
Dr Louise Warburton
Mrs J Ward
Peter & Pat Wartnaby
Mr & Mrs J
Wynn-Evans
Revd. Neil Thompson
Victor Keene MBE
Paul Brennan
PREMIUM PATRONS
Mr & Mrs H S Brar
Hugh and Felicity
Furber
Professor Roger
Gadsby MBE &
Mrs Pam Gadsby
Lesley Hickin
David & Sally Howells
Mr David Kershaw
CBE JP
Canon Douglas
Lamb
The Marklew Family
Mr Nigel May
Pam O’Brien
The Pragnell Family
Capt. Dermot
Rhodes
Barbara &
Christopher Purser
Roger Wiglesworth
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE
Clive & Paula
Benfield
Nick & Katie Chester
Mrs Sheila Cole
Mr J Cook
Sir Martin Dunne
KCVO & Mrs Mish
Dunne
Mrs Margaret Eardley
Rosemary Holding
Mrs Janet Moore & Honorary Alderman
Michael Hammon
Gerry Slora & Jill
Slora
CONDUCTOR’S CIRCLE
Mr Chris Baylis
& Mrs Alex Baylis
Mr John Boyden
David Burbidge
CBE, DL and Sandra Burbidge
Sir John Egan & Lady Julia Egan
Mrs Hilary Eldridge
Paul & Brigitta Lock
Gillian James
Mr Jamie Justham & Mrs Alison
Justham
Mr Roger Medwell
MBE DL
Mr John Osborn CBE
Mr David Phillips
MBE & Mrs Robina
Phillips
Dr Paul Thandi CBE
DL & Mrs
Nicki Thandi
We would like to give a special thanks to all our wonderful volunteers and hosts who generously support the running of our concerts.
CONTACT US
ARMONICO CONSORT LTD
2 New Street, Warwick, CV34 4RX 01926 800 109
www.armonico.org.uk
hello@armonico.org.uk
Registered charity no. 1103159
facebook.com/ArmonicoConsort @ArmonicoConsort @ArmonicoConsort
youtube.com/ArmonicoConsort @armonicoconsort
The information in this brochure is correct at the time of going to press. Armonico Consort reserves the right to change programmes and artists if necessary. In this eventuality, tickets cannot be refunded.
Image credits: © Ashmore Visuals © David Gómez Zona Cuatro © Keith Barnes
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