AC Academy is generously supported by Phillips 66 & JET and endorsed by The Royal Albert Hall www.armonico.org.uk Registered charity no. 1103159 BAROQUE CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT THE FORGOTTEN SCARLATTI TOUR INSPIRING AUDIENCES WITH PASSIONATE PERFORMANCES 2023/24 SEASON AUTUMN WINTER ‘PURE PLEASURE’ THE GUARDIAN | THE INDEPENDENT THE TIMES | BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE | THE TELEGRAPH
‘PURE PLEASURE’ THE GUARDIAN
THE INDEPENDENT
THE TIMES
BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE THE TELEGRAPH
HELPING COMMUNITIES THROUGH THE POWER OF MUSIC
CHILDREN’S CHOIRS
PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY MR ROGER MEDWELL MBE DL WHO WILL BE GIVING 30P FOR EVERY £1 DONATED, UP TO THE FIRST £100,000 RAISED.
The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the growing need for people across our communities to access the health and wellbeing, social and educational benefits of singing and music. Our new Encore Appeal focuses on the three main strands of our work: singing workshops to bring high quality music education to schools in deprived areas; our Memory Singers work to improve the lives of people living with dementia; and empowering composition and performance workshops for children with special educational needs. This work is more in demand than ever, and we need your help to deliver it.
In 2023 – 2024 we will help more than 17,000 people most in need across Warwickshire, Coventry, Solihull and Worcestershire to discover their voice through the power of music. We need urgently to rebuild music education after the pandemic, to support SEN children and young people to express themselves, to bring the transformative benefits of baroque music to more people with dementia and tackle isolation.
Read the latest news from The Encore Appeal here: www.armonico.org.uk/category/news
GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY MR ROGER MEDWELL MBE DL WHO WILL BE GIVING 30P FOR EVERY £1 DONATED, UP TO THE FIRST £100,000 RAISED.
SCAN TO LEARN MORE: www.armonico.org.uk
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
SEP
The French Connection
30 Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick
OCT
The French Connection
05 Malvern Theatres
Dido and Aeneas
12 Two Moors Festival
The Forgotten Scarlatti WORKSHOPS
26 Windy Arbor School
The Forgotten Scarlatti
27 BBC Radio 3 In Tune (live excerpts)
The Forgotten Scarlatti Tour
28 Canterbury Festival
NOV
Dido and Aeneas
09 Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil
The Forgotten Scarlatti Tour
17 Wimbledon International Festival
DEC Baroque Christmas by Candlelight
02 Lighthouse, Poole
06 Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick
09 Malvern Theatres (NB: Not candlelit)
Armonico Consort’s President’s
Carols at the Castle
20 Warwick Castle
Carols by Candlelight
21 Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick
2024
JAN
08 AC Academy Scholars Masterclass with Roderick Williams
Handel Dixit Dominus –
F Scarlatti Daniele
27 Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick
FEB
Handel Dixit Dominus –
F Scarlatti Daniele
03 Malvern Theatres
The Forgotten Scarlatti Tour
08 Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil
The Forgotten Scarlatti Tour with Rachel Podger
12 Birmingham Town Hall
MAR
Love Handels
22 The Court House, Warwick
BOOKING TICKETS
Tickets for our 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
THE FRENCH CONNECTION
ARMONICO CONSORT
DIRECTOR | CHRISTOPHER MONKS
Join Armonico Consort for a programme which embraces the French passion for pretty much everything, from food to literature and music, and from art to, well, national strikes. Nobody does it better than the French!
Alongside the fabulously triumphant and arresting Te Deum by Charpentier (a work whose main theme is still used by the Eurovision Song Contest) are his lesserknown compositions, paired with those of Lully and Delalande. The work of these fine composers epitomises the brilliance of the French baroque in pretty much every form. A further highlight of this programme is a short work by Rameau, which many hail to be the most beautiful piece of music ever written.
Programme includes:
MARC-ANTOINE CHARPENTIER
MAGNIFICAT H73
JEAN-BAPTISTE LULLY
LA FOILES D’ESPAGNE LWV.48
MARC-ANTOINE CHARPENTIER TE DEUM
JEAN-PHILIPPE RAMEAU
LES BORÉADES, ENTRÉE DE POLYMNIE
MICHEL RICHARD DELALANDE
TE DEUM S32
SAT 30 SEP | 7.30PM
Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick
TICKETS: £34.50 | £23.50
£17.50
Box office: 01926 334418
www.armonico.org.uk
This performance is generously co-sponsored by Mr Nigel May and Mr & Mrs Derek and Rosemary Holding.
THU 05 OCT | 7.30PM
Malvern Theatres
TICKETS: £35.84 | £32.48
£29.12
Box office: 01684 892277
www.malvern-theatres.co.uk
THE FORGOTTEN SCARLATTI TOUR
ARMONICO CONSORT DIRECTOR | CHRISTOPHER MONKS
If you love the splendid choral grandeur of Bach and Handel, but also the polychoral works of the Venetian baroque and the ornate spacial complexity of Tallis’ Spem in Alium, this programme of Francesco Scarlatti’s rarely performed masterpieces in exclusive brand new editions by Dr Geoffrey Webber, are not to be missed. Hidden in the Bodleian Library for hundreds of years, these masterpieces are once again remastered and brought to life.
At Birmingham Town Hall, international violinist Rachel Podger returns to treat both our audiences and performers to her totally unique and inspirational approach to Bach’s virtuosic Violin Concerto in A Minor and Vivaldi’s Violin Concerto in G Major from La Stravaganza.
Taking place at Windy Arbor School, Canterbury Festival and Wimbledon International Festival to complement these incredible works, probably one of the best-known choral works of all time - Vivaldi’s Gloria receives the Armonico treatment, exploding into life with its inimitable joy, wit and baroque charm!
Pizzicato
‘SPECTACULAIRE! THE GREATEST CLASSICAL MUSIC FIND OF THE CENTURY!’ Le Figaro
‘THE BIG COMPLEX CHORUSES SOUND EXHILARATING’
Gramophone
‘THE PERFORMANCES ARE BOTH POLISHED AND STYLISH’
Europadisc
SAT 28 OCT, 7.30PM
Canterbury Festival
TICKETS: £33.50 | £27.50
£22.50 | £17.50
Box office: 01926 334418
www.armonico.org.uk
FRI 17 NOV, 8PM
Wimbledon International Festival
TICKETS: £48 | £44 | £28
£10 (student)
Box office: 01926 334418
www.armonico.org.uk
THU 08 FEB, 7.30PM
The Octagon Theatre, Yeovil
TICKETS: £25 | £23.50
£21.50
Box office: 01926 334418
www.armonico.org.uk
Programme includes:
F. SCARLATTI DIXIT DOMINUS & MESSA A16
A. VIVALDI GLORIA
MON 12 FEB, 7.30PM
Birmingham Town Hall (with Rachel Podger)
TICKETS: £35 | £15
Box office: 01926 334418
www.armonico.org.uk
Programme includes:
BACH & VIVALDI VIOLINS
This performance is generously supported by Mr John Osborn CBE
The Organ
The Guardian
IN DULCI JUBILO! BAROQUE CHRISTMAS BY
CANDLELIGHT
ARMONICO CONSORT & BAROQUE PLAYERS
THE ENGLISH CORNETT & SACKBUT ENSEMBLE DIRECTOR | CHRISTOPHER MONKS
Few countries celebrate Christmas like the Germans do, although the city of Venice comes pretty close!
From the magisterial splendour of the Venetian baroque to the grand and huge-scale works of Michael Praetorius, one thing is certain – Christmas inspired composers to create the greatest tunes even back in the 16th & 17th Centuries! If you have never heard In Dulci Jubilo sung in 21 different parts, you must not miss this concert!
Programme includes:
Venetian
CLAUDIO MONTEVERDI
MAGNIFICAT A 6
CLAUDIO MONTEVERDI
MISSA IN ILLO TEMPORE
GLORIA, SANCTUS & BENEDICTUS
GIOVANNI GABRIELI
AUDITE PRINCIPES
German
MICHAEL PRAETORIUS
CHRISTMAS MUSIC:
Puer Natus in Bethlehem
Hymn – Vom Himmel Hoch
Adestes Fideles
Hymn – Quem Pastores
Post communion Hymn – Der Herr Sei
In Dulci Jubilo
SAT 02 DEC | 7.30PM
Lighthouse, Poole
TICKETS: £26.75 | £22.75 | £17.75
Box office: 01202 280000
www.lighthousepoole.co.uk
WED 06 DEC | 7.30PM
Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick
TICKETS: £36.50 | £25.50 | £19.50 | £14.50
Box office: 01926 334418
www.armonico.org.uk
This performance is generously supported by Braunston Marina
SAT 09 DEC | 7.30PM
Malvern Theatres
TICKETS: £35.84 | £32.48 | £29.12
Box office: 01684 892277
www.malvern-theatres.co.uk
NB: NOT CANDLELIT
ARMONICO CONSORT’S PRESIDENT’S CAROLS AT THE CASTLE
ARMONICO CONSORT
DIRECTOR | CHRISTOPHER MONKS
Following the sell-out success of this event in 2022, we once again invite you to join a select group of Armonico Consort’s finest singers for this brand new and exclusive event as they welcome Christmas in the magnificent setting of the Great Hall at Warwick Castle.
Arrive through the beautifully lit courtyard, past glittering trees, to the Great Hall where you can enjoy a welcoming drink and begin your Christmas celebrations in exquisite style. (You could even go ice skating before if you are brave!)
Armonico Consort will perform traditional carols in this unique setting, steeped in history, featuring pieces which may have featured in festive celebrations at the castle throughout the past almost 1000 years!
WED 20 DEC | 7.30PM
Warwick Castle
TICKETS: £36.50
Box office: 01926 334418
www.armonico.org.uk
This performance is generously supported by Roger Medwell MBE DL
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
ARMONICO CONSORT
AC ACADEMY WARWICK
DIRECTOR | CHRISTOPHER MONKS
ORGAN | CHRISTOPHER ALLSOP
Carols by Candlelight has become a firm tradition of Armonico Consort’s festive programme over the past 22 years. What better way to enjoy the warmth and joy of the Christmas season than in the sublime candlelit setting of the Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick for a feast of carols, combining traditional favourites and newly-discovered works.
Don’t miss out on the chance to purchase Armonico Consort’s brand-new carols recording, ‘Noël’, which will be available this Christmas!
In addition to well-loved Christmas music, the programme includes:
DOVE
THE STAR-SONG
LAURIDSON
O MAGNUM MYSTERIUM
POSTON
JESUS CHRIST THE APPLE TREE
CHILCOT
THE SHEPHERD’S CAROL
ARR. WILLCOCKS
SUSSEX CAROL
MACMILLAN
O RADIANT DAWN
FARRINGTON
NOVA, NOVA
THU 21 DEC | 7.30PM
Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick
TICKETS: £37.50 | £26.50
£20.50 | £14.50
Box office: 01926 334418
www.armonico.org.uk
This performance is generously supported by David Phillips MBE & Phillips and Becker Accountants Ltd
HANDEL DIXIT DOMINUS - F SCARLATTI DANIELE
Armonico Consort has become the world authority in the music of Francesco Scarlatti, the often forgotten member of this incredible musical dynasty. In what possibly might be a world premiere, this concert will see the first performance of the first edition ever created of Francesco’s only oratorio – Daniele. It is a fabulously dramatic, and almost operatic, work which tells the story of Daniel in the Lion’s Den.
The Miserere Mei encapsulates all of the most sumptuous and melodic writing which made the Dixit Dominus and Mass a 16 so popular; it is truly sublime.
To finish the programme, we present one of Handel’s greatest and most dramatic choral works – Dixit Dominus. Handel was also a European who, like Francesco, lived and worked in England, so it seems fitting to honour them both in this way.
WORLD PREMIERE
FRANCESCO SCARLATTI
DANIELE
FRANCESCO SCARLATTI
MISERERE MEI
GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL
DIXIT DOMINUS
SAT 27 JAN | 7.30PM
Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick
TICKETS: £36.50 | £25.50
£19.50 | £14.50
Box office: 01926 334418
www.armonico.org.uk
SAT 03 FEB | 7.30PM
Malvern Theatres
TICKETS: £35.84 | £32.48
£29.12
Box office: 01684 892277
www.malvern-theatres.co.uk
This performance is generously supported by Hilary Eldridge, member of the Conductor’s Circle
ARMONICO CONSORT DIRECTOR | CHRISTOPHER MONKS
LOVE HANDELS
ARMONICO CONSORT
DIRECTOR | CHRISTOPHER MONKS
COUNTERTENOR | WILLIAM TOWERS
GUEST SOPRANO | TBC
Before performing this programme in Israel the following week, we decided to give our audience an additional treat of this gem of a programme, which encompasses some of the most beautiful arias and duets from the Baroque period woven together with poems and stories exploring love through the centuries.
Programme includes:
HANDEL
Duet: ‘Caro, Bella piu amabile belta’ from ‘Giulio Cesare’
HANDEL
Aria: ‘Ombra mai fu’ from ‘Xerxes’
HANDEL
Duet: ‘No, no ch’io non apprezzo’’ from ‘Agrippina’
VIVALDI
Aria: ‘Nulla in mundo pax sincera’’
VIVALDI
Aria: ‘Cum dederit’ from ‘Nisi Dominus’
HANDEL
Duet: ‘Welcome as the dawn of day’ from ‘Solomon’
Duet: ‘Caro, Dolce, amico amplesso’
HANDEL
Aria: ‘Dove sei, amato bene?’ from ‘Rodelinda’
MONTEVERDI
Duet: ‘Pur ti miro’ from ‘L’incoronazione di Poppea’
PURCELL
Aria: ‘When I am laid in earth’ from ‘Dido & Aeneas’
HANDEL
Duet: ‘Streams of Pleasure’ from ‘Theodora
FRI 22 MAR | 7.30PM
The Court House, Warwick
TICKETS: £24.50
Box office: 01926 334418
www.armonico.org.uk
NEXT SEASON MASS IN C MINOR | MOZART | APRIL 2024 THE FAIRY QUEEN | PURCELL | JUNE / JULY 2024
NEXT SEASON CARMINA BURANA | ORFF ROYAL ALBERT HALL | JULY 2024
Registered charity no. 1103159
Memory SingersWarwick
Wednesdays 1pm-2.30pm All Saints Church, Vicarage Fields, Warwick, CV34 5NL
FIRST SESSION FREE!
To book a place or for further information please contact Sarah Riddell: sriddell@armonico.org.uk or call 07722 632242
VOLUNTEER WITH ARMONICO!
We depend upon our fantastically supportive volunteers who assist with a wide range of exciting activities as part of a warm, welcoming social network within the communities around us.
HELP OUT AT OUR LOCAL PERFORMANCES
We are seeking the help of event staff to assist at our local performances. We currently stage around five concerts a year at St Mary’s Church in Warwick and are looking for somebody to assist the charity by preparing the performance area and audience seating for our classical music concerts. The role would be suited to enthusiastic and friendly individuals; a keen interest in music would be a plus. If you are interested, please contact Becky Coates by email: bcoates@armonico.org.uk
SUPPORT OUR WARWICK MEMORY SINGERS
We are holding weekly singing sessions for people who are living with dementia and their carers, and the turnout is growing quickly every week. We are on the hunt for more volunteers who are able to come and support us each Wednesday at 1pm at All Saint’s Church, CV34 5NL. Volunteers will work on a rota basis depending on their availability. If you can help, please contact Sarah Riddell by email: sriddell@armonico.org.uk
www.armonico.org.uk
Generously sponsored by Hilary Eldridge, member of Armonico Consort’s Conductor’s Circle.
CHOIR CREATION
Our unique Choir Creation scheme creates sustainable in-school music education in partnership with local music hubs.
• Aimed at KS2 and KS3
• Helps establish new choirs or improve existing choirs at schools
• Provides training for a teacher at the school to become the choir leader
• Offers ongoing mentoring support for the newly trained choir leader
• FREE OF CHARGE
Following the completion of the scheme, the schools are invited to take part in one of AC Academy’s gala concerts performing in prestigious venues alongside Armonico Consort’s professional singers and musicians.
For more information, contact Ann Hannan ahannan@armonico.org.uk or Sarah Riddell sriddell@armonico.org.uk
FIND AN AFTER SCHOOL CHOIR NEAR YOU:
Our AC Academy after school Choirs are singing groups for young people aged 7-18. We currently have three after school Academies that rehearse on a weekly basis, term time only.
For more info, contact the Education department: ahannan@armonico.org.uk
WARWICK: TUESDAYS
COVENTRY: WEDNESDAYS
SOLIHULL: THURSDAYS
www.armonico.org.uk/ac-academy
NEXT STEPS:
13-18 year old AC Academy singers can apply for an Armonico Consort scholarship through which they will have opportunities to perform with the professional Consort.
For more information and an application form please contact: ahannan@armonico.org.uk
2023
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 5.
BRAND NEW CHRISTMAS RECORDING
NOËL
BRAND NEW RECORDING
SCARLATTI DIXIT
DOMINUS & MESSA A 16
GREENSLEEVES
SUPERSIZE POLYPHONY
LET THE BRIGHT SERAPHIM
THE FAIRY QUEEN REQUIEM
NAKED BYRD 2
NAKED BYRD
DIDO & AENEAS
BEOWULF
HANDELIAN PYROTECHNICS
ON CHRISTMAS NIGHT
J. S. BACH, SOLO CANTATAS
CORPORATE SPONSORS
Phillips66 Limited
JET
Phillips and Becker
Accountancy
Services
Tractivity Limited
Rayburn Tours
NP Aerospace
Braunston Marina
Limited
Howards of Stratford
Limited
Angels Solicitors LLP
PATRONS
Mrs C Beecham
Mrs Pauline M Brace
Joseph Bradshaw
Helen Brittain
Mr Michael Burrows
Mrs S Carr-Wu
Coralie Clark
Mrs A Cook
Mrs J Cooke
Mr & Mrs D J
Couchman
Mrs Dawn Curtis
Mrs Gemma Davies
Mr Anthony E Davies
Mrs D Fowler
Mr Malcolm Garner
Caryll Green & Dr
Elizabeth Saxon
Dr Barbara A Harland
Revd Wendy Heaney
Monica Heath
Mr Andrew Lawton
Mrs S J Liggins
We are especially grateful to the following Benefactors who have given most generously to support our work:
Miss Jennifer Lorch
Miss Ursula Lowe
Mrs H Mills
Dr A Nicholls
Mr Russell Payne
Ms Benedetta Polk
Dr & Mrs C P Rourke
Mr Jim Rowley
Mr David Sarginson
Dr Derek Smith
Mrs Sidney Syson
Mr I M Taylor
Mrs Patricia
Tomlinson
Mrs J Upward
Dr Louise Warburton
Mrs J Ward
Peter & Pat Wartnaby
Mr & Mrs J
Wynn-Evans
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE
Clive & Paula Benfield
Mr John Boyden
Nick & Katie Chester
Sir Martin Dunne
KCVO & Mrs
Mish Dunne
Mrs Margaret Eardley
Sir John Egan & Lady Julia Egan
Revd James Knights & Mrs Dorothy
Knights
Mr Nigel May
Mrs Janet Moore & Honorary Alderman
Michael Hammon
John Osborn CBE
Gerry Slora & Jill Slora
CONDUCTOR’S CIRCLE
Mr & Mrs H S Brar
His Honour Richard
Cole DL & Mrs Sheila Cole
Mr J Cook
Mrs Hilary Eldridge
Paul & Brigitta Lock
Mr Jamie Justham & Mrs Alison Justham
Mr Roger Medwell
MBE DL
Mr David Phillips
MBE & Mrs Robina
Phillips
Mr Baljit Shergill & Mrs Jinny Shergill
Dr Paul Thandi
CBE DL & Mrs Nicki
Thandi
ENCORE APPEAL PATRONS
Dr Kate Bailey
Mr Jazz Bhamra
Mr & Mrs
D & H Bradley
Margaret Casely-
Hayford CBE & Giles Quarme
Mr M J Cooke
Rebecca Earle
Mr & Mrs Faulds
Tony & Helen Fitzpatrick
Professor Roger Gadsby MBE & Mrs Pam Gadsby
Mr Malcolm Harbour
CBE & Mrs
Penny Harbour
Gillian Higginson
Jon Jeffery
Robert Macpherson
Dr F C Millard
Dr Bob Ruffle
Pamela Stanier
Mr & Mrs CJL Thorne
ENCORE APPEAL BENEFACTORS
Hugh & Felicity Furber
Derek & Rosemary Holding
David & Sally Howells
Mr David Kershaw
CBE JP
Pam O’Brien
Capt. Dermot
Rhodes
Barbara & Christopher Purser
Mr & Mrs Turner
Roger Wiglesworth
CONTACT US
ARMONICO CONSORT LTD
2 New Street, Warwick, CV34 4RX 01926 800 109
www.armonico.org.uk
Registered charity no. 1103159
facebook.com/ArmonicoConsort
@ArmonicoConsort
@ArmonicoConsort
youtube.com/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.
Images © Peter Marsh, Ashmore Visuals
Armonico Consort values your support and takes great care about your data. We handle all personal data in accordance with the law and you can change the way we contact you at any time. If you are already on our mailing list and would like to amend your contact preferences, or if you would like to join our mailing list, please email marketing@armonico.org.uk - or complete the form on our website, where you can also view our privacy notice: www.armonico.org.uk/get-involved/ preferences
