Far across yonder blue lies a tr ue fair y land...
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It is a huge pleasure to welcome you to the Ulster Consort’s Season 2025. In this, our third full season, we have programmed an abundance of fabulous music, ranging from the ethereal sounds of the Renaissance, through to cutting edge contemporary music, and to our renowned period instrument performances of Handel’s Messiah.
We celebrate some significant anniversaries and birthdays this year: Palestrina at 500, Sir John Rutter CBE at 80, and the 70th birthday of our new Patron, Bob Chilcott One of the many highlights is the world premiere of a major new work by the renowned composer, Diana Burrell – a concert performance of her latest opera, Apostle to the Apostles, in the glorious surroundings of the Great Hall at Stormont Parliament Buildings on 14 June
We are delighted to have introduced more of our performances into theatres and concert halls this year and are thrilled to have been invited to the Grand Opera House, Belfast, to make our debut in the Studio Theatre We are also looking forward to our first performance at the Mill Theatre in Newtownabbey, and to be returning to the Ulster Hall in December.
Patron Bob Chilcott
We have also been excited to launch the Ulster Consort Foundation, a charity dedicated to nurturing the current and next generations of musicians in Northern Ireland through a series of educational courses for both children and adults of all abilities, from all backgrounds, and from all walks of life The Foundation incorporates our newly created Talent Development Programme, which helps to train skilled young singers considering a career in music and who are aged between 16–25. Ultimately, the Foundation supports the Ulster Consort itself in preserving, nurturing, sharing, and growing our amazing choral heritage.
If you would like to support the work of Northern Ireland’s newest professional music ensemble by becoming a Friend or Benefactor, or by gifting Friends Membership to someone, then please visit www ulsterconsort org at any time to join our growing Ulster Consort Foundation family
The Ulster Consort and I are greatly looking forward to performing for our audiences in all the various venues throughout this year. We hope that, through these concerts, you will be inspired to journey with us throughout 2025 and beyond
Matthew Owens, Founder and Music Director of the Ulster Consort
I love my love
F O L K S O N G S F R O M
I R E L A N D , A M E R I C A , A N D B R I T A I N
Sir John Rutter The keel row
Holst I love my love
Matthew Owens I wish I was in Carrickfergus
Tippett Early one morning 3’
Britten The salley gardens 3’
Stanford The blue bird 4’
Traditional English Blow the wind southerly 3’
Matthew Owens Four Ulster folk songs 14’ (world premiere)
Vaughan Williams All through the night 3’
Gary Davison Five American folk songs 20’ (world premiere)
Studio Theatre, Grand Opera House, Belfast, BT2 7HR
Tickets: £25 (£22.50 concessions) available in advance via www.goh.co.uk Early booking is advised due to limited availability
The Ulster Consort makes its Grand Opera House debut with a programme of much-loved folk songs from Ireland, North America, and Great Britain. Featuring classics such as The salley gardens, The green glens of Antrim, and Blow the wind southerly, there are well known works by Irish composer Sir Charles Villiers Stanford, Vaughan Williams, and Sir John Rutter (celebrating his 80th birthday in 2025), as well two new sets – one by American composer Gary Davison, Five American folk songs (world premiere), and the other by the Ulster Consort’s Music Director, Matthew Owens, Four Ulster folk songs (world premiere).
On wings of song
R O M A N T I C M U S I C B Y
S C H U B E R T , B R A H M S , A N D M E N D E L S S O H N
Tickets: £15 available in advance via eventbrite.co.uk, and on the evening at the door
A beautiful, varied concert showcasing the radiant female voices of the Ulster Consort Solos, duets, 2-part, 3-part, and 4-part choruses combine with piano duet March militaire in D (performed by Tristan Russcher and Matthew Owens) to ensure a delightful early evening concert of 19th century Romantic music to celebrate the coming of spring
Highlights include the ever-beautiful Ave Maria and An die Musik by Schubert, Mendelssohn’s glorious Lift thine Eyes, and the rarely-performed 12 Lieder und Romanzen by Brahms.
Easter Singing Course
14–16 April, 2025
o n a h-M a n J a z z
Michael Hurd and other songs of the sea including Eric Whitacre’s Seal Lullaby
This three-day singing course will give children the opportunity to work with some of the country's top professional musicians, with daily expert vocal tuition from directors Matthew Owens and India Chapman Webb. Children will work on general musicianship, gain confidence, make friends, and perform to a live audience
Cost: £150, which includes a cooked lunch each day, all music, a branded top, music folders and stationery, all snacks, all group tuition, all group activities, and any individual tuition (if required).
To book now, visit eventbrite.co.uk
For further information please email hello@ulsterconsort.org
Audience Grand Finale tickets: £10 available in advance via eventbrite.co.uk, and on the evening at the door
Contemporary Choral Classics
Friday 9 May, 7.45pm – 8.45pm
Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey, BT36 5QA
Tickets: £21.50 available in advance via www.theatreatthemill.com
Chilcott A Little Jazz Mass
Chilcott Can you hear me?
Chilcott Be thou my vision
Rutter A Prayer of St Patrick
Rutter A Gaelic Blessing
Rutter The Wind in the Willows
ULSTER CONSORT AND PLAYERS
ULSTER CONSORT FOUNDATION
CHILDREN’S CHORUS
MATTHEW OWENS conductor
The Ulster Consort celebrates the significant birthdays of two of the choral world’s most popular composers: Sir John Rutter at 80, and the 70th birthday of the Ulster Consort’s Patron, Bob Chilcott, who is described by The Observer as “a contemporary hero of British Choral Music ”
Chilcott’s A Little Jazz Mass is a modern-day gem, using swing, blues, and infectious rhythms to shed new light on familiar texts, whilst Rutter’s retelling of the classic The Wind in the Willows is a joy from start to finish, celebrating nature, friendship, loyalty, and adventure
Apostle to the Apostles
M A J O R W O R L D P R E M I E R E
CHARLOTTE O’HARE Mary Magdalene
THOMAS ELWIN Jesus
MALACHY FRAME Peter
THE ULSTER CONSORT AND PLAYERS
MATTHEW OWENS conductor
Following the concert there will be a drinks reception for the Friends and Benefactors of the Ulster Consort This will take place in the Members’ Dining Room of the Parliament Buildings, affording spectacular views over the mile-long Prince of Wales Avenue to the City of Belfast To become a Friend or Benefactor of the Ulster Consort please see the end of this Season 2025 brochure or visit www.ulsterconsort.org
Saturday 14 June, 6pm– 7pm (with a pre-concert talk by the composer at 5pm)
The Great Hall, Stormont Parliament Buildings, BT4 3XX Tickets, including admission to the pre-concert talk: £10 (under 18s), £20, £30. All tickets for this event must be booked in advance via eventbrite.co.uk
Diana Burrell (b. 1948) is one of the UK’s most highly respected composers Her music has been featured at the BBC Proms, and she has been commissioned by leading orchestras, choirs, ensembles, and soloists. Her new opera in 5 scenes, Apostle to the Apostles receives its world premiere performance (non-staged), in the glorious surroundings of the Great Hall of the Stormont Parliament Buildings The work’s narrative begins with the crucifixion of Jesus and then focuses on Peter, the Apostle, and Mary Magdalene It will be presented as a concert performance, with a stellar cast of soloists performing alongside the Ulster Consort and Players
Diana Burrell Apostles to the Apostles 50’
Glories of the Sistine Chapel
T H E M U S I C O F A L L E G R I
A N D P A L E S T R I N A
Allegri Miserere mei, Deus 13’
Palestrina Sicut cervus 3’
Palestrina Exultate Deo 3’
Plainsong Aeterna Christi munera 3’
Palestrina Missa Aeterna Christi munera 22’
Palestrina Pater noster 4’
Allegri Beatus vir 5’
THE ULSTER CONSORT MATTHEW OWENS conductor
Friday 25 July, 6pm – 7pm
St Patrick’s Church, Donegall Street, Belfast, BT1 2FL
Tickets: £15 available in advance via eventbrite.co.uk, and on the evening at the door
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525–94) was one of the foremost composers of the Renaissance, and wrote extensively for the singers of the Sistine Chapel in Rome. The Ulster Consort celebrates his 500th anniversary with a performance of one of his best-loved mass settings, appropriate for 25 July, on the day when the church celebrates St James the Apostle. Alongside this features other music from this glorious chapel, including that of Gregorio Allegri (1582–1652), whose best-known work – Miserere mei, Deus, a setting of Psalm 51 – is normally sung in Lent but provides a moment for reflection at any point in the year.
Come and join us to sing glorious music by Bach, Handel, and Purcell with the Ulster Consort’s conductor, Matthew Owens, accompanied by Tristan Russcher (piano). This singing day for adults is open to all, irrespective of experience or skill level Music to be performed will include excerpts from Purcell’s Come, ye sons of Art, choruses from Handel’s Messiah, alongside beautiful works by Bach, such as Sheep may safely graze
We will have singers from the Ulster Consort and the Ulster Consort Talent Development Programme ready to lend a hand, and there will be an informal concert at the end of the day for family and friends
Cost: £30, which includes all tuition, music, tea/coffee, and cakes
Lunch arrangements: there is a café on campus serving lunches, or attendees may choose to leave and come back, or to bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful grounds at Stranmillis.
To book now, please visit eventbrite.co.uk or for further information please email hello@ulsterconsort.org
Family and friends will be able to join us for the informal performance at 4.30pm and donations to the Ulster Consort Foundation will be gratefully received on the afternoon, at the door
Children’s Summer Music School
The Reluctant Dragon
by John Rutter
Ages 5–8 Songbirds Course I Ages 9–15 Junior Course
Monday 11 – Friday 15 August, 9am – 4pm daily
Stranmillis College, Belfast, BT9 5DY
The Ulster Consort Foundation is very excited to present Stranmillis College as the venue for the Children’s Summer Music School 2025! Children, ages 5–15, will receive expert daily tuition provided by some of Northern Ireland’s leading musicians whilst having great fun preparing music for a grand concert on the final evening. Our featured work this year is Sir John Rutter’s charming and heart-warming musical fable, The Reluctant Dragon
Stranmillis College provides the perfect location for a week of music-making, great outdoor spaces for break times, and a fantastic theatre for the end of week concert. It also allows for super easy drop off and pick up by parents/guardians
Cost: £200, which includes all musical tuition, a cooked lunch each day, snacks, group activities, a branded top, music, music folders, and stationery. To book now, visit eventbrite.co.uk Further information is available by emailing hello@ulsterconsort.org
Audience Grand Finale tickets (£10, free admission for children) are available in advance via eventbrite.co.uk, and on the evening at the door.
Far across yonder blue lies a true fairy land, With the sea rippling over the shingle and sand;
‘Isle of Muck’ by Kenny McKendry RP
Choral Workshop Day C L A S S I C H A Y D N
Saturday 13 September, 10am – 5pm
Stranmillis College, Belfast, BT9 5DY
Come and join us to sing one of the very finest works of the 18th century, Haydn’s Nelson Mass. Guided by the Ulster Consort’s conductor, Matthew Owens, and accompanied by Tristan Russcher, this singing day for adults is open to all, irrespective of experience or skill level.
There will be singers from the Ulster Consort and the Ulster Consort Talent Development Programme ready to lend a hand, and an informal concert at the end of the day for family and friends.
Cost: £30, which includes all tuition, music, tea/coffee, and cakes
Lunch arrangements: there is a café on campus serving lunches, or attendees may choose to leave and come back, or to bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful grounds at Stranmillis
To book now, please visit eventbrite.co.uk or for further information please email hello@ulsterconsort.org
Family and friends will be able to join us for the informal performance at 4 15pm and donations to the Ulster Consort Foundation will be gratefully received on the afternoon, at the door.
New Sounds
T H E C R A N M E R A N T H E M B O O K ( I I )
Valerie Capers Evermore ready to follow (world premiere)
Bob Chilcott new work (world premiere)
Edward Cowie Bright beams of light (world premiere)
Joanna Forbes L’Estrange The gate of everlasting life (world premiere)
Cheryl Frances-Hoad Annunciation (world premiere)
Edward Gregson The light of the Gospel (world premiere)
Tickets: £15 available in advance via eventbrite.co.uk, and on the evening at the door
This is the second concert in an annual series to feature new works for an exciting, major commissioning project, The Cranmer Anthem Book. This project will see new settings of each of the 88 Collects (or prayers) from the Book of Common Prayer, devised by Tudor Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Cranmer (1489–1556) These will be composed by some of the world’s leading composers. As with last year’s initial concert, composers will introduce their works by recorded interview, offering a fascinating insight into the world of contemporary composition.
Messiah
H A N D E L ’ S T H R I L L I N G
M A S T E R P I E C E
Handel Messiah 120’
THE ULSTER CONSORT AND PLAYERS (on period instruments)
Tickets: £10 (under 18s), £20, £30, £40, available in advance via eventbrite.co.uk, and on the evening at the door
What could be better than starting off your festive season with a joyous burst of Handel’s exhilarating Hallelujah Chorus ?
The Ulster Consort returns (by popular demand) with two performances of this great masterpiece in two stunning venues Hear this most beloved of works with a soundscape very close to what Handel would have known back in 1742.
Experience the thrill of some of Europe’s finest period instrument specialists, the intimate but powerful vocal forces of the Ulster Consort alongside amazing soloists, and all performed in an historically-informed, dramatic, and breathtaking way Early booking is advised!
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
A F E S T I V E C E L E B R A T I O N A T T H E U L S T E R H A L L
Tickets: £10-£35 (concessions available) via ulsterhall.co.uk, and on the evening at the door
Our traditional and much-loved Christmas celebration is back, and this time in the glorious setting of Belfast’s magnificent Ulster Hall, in support of the charity, Bowel Cancer UK. Join us for an evening of festive favourites from the musicians of the Ulster Consort and Players, joined by the children from the Ulster Consort Foundation Children’s Chorus. There will be something for everyone – carols for choir and audience, as well as an overflowing stocking-full of the most beautiful and magical music to put you in the Christmas mood. Music includes Silent Night, Good King Wenceslas, Once in Royal David’s City, Ding dong! merrily on high, Carol of the bells, Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, and Have yourself a merry little Christmas, with music by John Rutter, Eric Whitacre, Bob Chilcott, and many more.
As an added bonus, Matthew Owens and Tristan Russcher – two of the country’s most celebrated organists – will delight the audience with a Christmas duet featuring four hands and four feet on the mighty Mulholland organ!
The Ulster Consort Foundation is a charity committed to music education and outreach, and in particular to choral singing education. Our aim is to share the joy and benefits of choral music and singing together with as many people as possible, right across Northern Ireland.
The Foundation is dedicated to nurturing the current and next generations of musicians in Northern Ireland. Each year we create a varied series of one-day, three-day, and week-long courses for children and day-long courses for adults. All our courses are for people of all abilities, from all backgrounds, and from all walks of life. We seek to inspire our local communities through music, and lead them to experience the joy, excitement, and benefits of musical teamwork.
Courses for children
Our courses cater for children from ages 5–15: we offer Songbirds Courses for children from 5–8 years old, and our Junior Courses for children aged 9–15. These are open to all, and we have scholarships available to ensure that all children are able to join us, whatever the financial circumstances. Participating in choral music activities is fun, and our positive-learning environment helps increase confidence in even the most timid of children, and broadens children’s horizons and educational experience.
Courses for adults
“My son has really gained in confidence after attending the summer school”
We also run adult day courses which, again, are open to all, irrespective of experience or skill level They take the form of day-long choral workshops, often with an informal performance at the end of the day. Performing choral music means being part of a team and participants forge strongly bonded new friendship groups across different generations.
Talent Development Programme
In addition to these outreach opportunities, the Ulster Consort Foundation is dedicated to training skilled young singers through our Talent Development Programme. This is an auditioned group for those considering a career in music and who are aged 16– 25 It offers young singers professional experiences and mentoring right at the start of their musical careers.
As an organisation, we are passionate about extending opportunities to all with the aim of performing excellent music to the highest standards and inspiring the widest possible audience.
The Ulster Consort and its conductor
The Ulster Consort is Northern Ireland’s newest professional music ensemble and one of the very few professional vocal ensembles in the country. It made its debut with a stellar, critically acclaimed performance of Handel’s Messiah in December 2019
The large core of the Ulster Consort’s performers consists of Northern Irish singers, and singers based in Northern Ireland Its energies are focused on concert performances of the finest works of the Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical periods –working with period instruments and in an historically informed manner – through to the glorious smaller-scaled works of the Romantic era, the 20th century, and the present day
The Consort collaborates with some of Europe’s finest contemporary composers in concert and recordings. It is the lead choir for one of the most innovative new music programmes of our time: the Cranmer Anthem Book – a project which will see all 88 Collects from the Book of Common Prayer set to music by some of the world’s finest contemporary composers, including a new work from the recently appointed Master of the King’s Music, Errollyn Wallen CBE. October 2025 sees a further 10 world premieres, including one from Northern Ireland-based composer, Piers Hellawell, alongside figures such as Sir John Rutter, Bob Chilcott, and Joanna Forbes L’Estrange
In its first five years the Ulster Consort has performed right across Northern Ireland – in 17 different venues in its ‘home’ city of Belfast, as well as in Armagh, Ballymena, Bangor, Downpatrick, Enniskillen, Hillsborough, Holywood, Londonderry/Derry, Newcastle, and Portaferry It has also been the guest of the Pipeworks Festival in Dublin
The ensemble is dedicated to nurturing the current and next generations of Northern Ireland’s musicians through its educational and outreach programmes, and through its Talent Development Programme, all of which are overseen by the Ulster Consort Foundation, a registered charity which is committed to music education and outreach, to choral singing education, and to growing the worldwide choral heritage
ulsterconsort.org @ulsterconsort
Matthew Owens is Founder and Music Director of the Ulster Consort; Professor of Vocals at the Royal Marines School of Music; Director of the Cranmer Anthem Book; Music Director and Conductor of the Cumbria Singers; and Associate Director of the Grand Rapids Choir of Men and Boys, in Michigan, USA
Previously, he was the director of music at St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh, and Wells Cathedral Under his leadership, Wells Cathedral Choir was named by an international jury for Gramophone as the best choir in the world with children, and the sixth greatest overall. From 2019–2022, he was director of music of Belfast Cathedral, where he re-established the choir as a professional adult ensemble, winning international acclaim for its work: “it could well be the finest all-adult standing choir of its kind anywhere, with near-perfect vowel harmony, blend, enunciation, nuanced awareness of phrase and an exceptional, bright and pure soprano group ” (Gramophone)
He has guest conducted, among others, the London Mozart Players, English Symphony Orchestra, Scottish Ensemble, Nash Ensemble, Brook Street Band, and the Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra. He made his debut with the Ulster Orchestra in May 2023. As a conductor he has made over 30 CDs with major labels, and now records exclusively for the award-winning label, Resonus Classics He has directed choral workshops and summer schools throughout the UK and abroad – including Australia, China, Germany, Hong Kong, Kenya, Luxembourg, New Zealand, and the USA. As an organist, Matthew has given recitals in Australia, France, Ireland, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland, the USA, and throughout the UK
Matthew has championed new music, particularly of British composers, conducting over 250 world premieres, including works by leading composers ranging from Jools Holland to Sir James MacMillan and Sir John Rutter to Sir Peter Maxwell Davies. As a composer himself he has recently been commissioned by NI Opera, Tewkesbury Abbey, Covenant Presbyterian Church, Nashville and The Queen’s College, Oxford He is published by Oxford University Press, Novello, and the Royal School of Church Music.
@MatthewOwensUK
t h eUlster c o n s o r t
Friends
“The better part of one’s life consists of friendships”(Abraham Lincoln)
J O I N O U R F R I E N D S P R O G R A M M E
Everyone needs friends, and for this new, exciting vocal ensemble to grow and flourish we really need your help. Our Friends Programme will help to build a new community and create opportunities, ensuring that Northern Ireland can experience performances of the highest possible standard
Becoming a Friend is the best way to hear about the Ulster Consort’s news and events In addition to receiving benefits such as advance information about concerts, special invitations, and events, those giving at the higher levels will also have the opportunity to forge a real relationship with the Consort and its members.
C AT E G O R I E S O F G I V I N G
Bronze level (£60 pa or £5 per month)
Advanced notice of events, plus acknowledgment in publicity material, and an annual Friends reception
Silver level (£120 pa or £10 per month)
All the above benefits of Bronze, plus reserved seating, and a free programme at all concerts
Gold level (£240 pa or £20 per month)
All the above benefits of Silver, plus an invitation to meet the conductor and attend a private rehearsal
Platinum level (£360 pa or £30 per month)
All the above benefits of Gold, plus unlimited access to private rehearsals and an invitation to an annual Friends Dinner with the conductor
If you would like to support us at a higher level, please get in touch by emailing us via hello@ulsterconsort.org – we have tailor-made packages for Benefactors and Corporatre Sponsors; details are available upon request.
Our Friends, Benefactors, and Corporate Sponsors
Corporate Sponsors
Consello
Dentistry@Markethill, Armagh
Northwest Restaurants Ltd
Wells Kennedy Ltd, Pipe Organ Builders & Restorers
Benefactors
Dr Paul and Mrs Heather Darragh
Karen Brinkmann and Fred Johnsen
Mr Gary Davison
Mrs Janice Eichner
Mr Jonathan Ireland
Mr Kenny McKendry RP
Mr Cameron Marshall
Mr John Owens
Queen’s University Belfast, Music Department
Platinum Friends
Dr Steve and Mrs Beth Aiken
Drs Michael and Barbara Callender
Mr John and Dr Kerry Cubitt
Ian and Louise Stoupe
Mr James Walsh
Gold Friends
Mr Robin Adams
Mrs Maureen Aiken
Margaret Bridge
Mrs Helen Gallagher
Mrs MC Gibson
Dr Paul and Mrs Jenny Harron
Susie Hunter Consulting
Mr and Mrs P Lake
Mr Richard and Mrs Róisín Lee
Mr Roger Martin
Mr Tom Maxwell
Mrs K McVeigh
Sarah Mulligan
The Reverend and Mrs Wilfred Orr
Mr Colin Skillen
Silver Friends
Miss Christine Birchall
Mr A Campbell
Elaine and Barrie Colgan
Mr Ian Cree
Mrs Florence Findlay-White
Mrs SJ Gailey
Margaret Hardy
Mr Peter and Mrs Mary Harland
Mrs Frances Hastie
Rose Henderson
Mrs Carole Hunter
Mr John and Mrs Rosemary Hunter
Tim and Alice Kerr
Mr Gerald and Mrs Kathy Lavery
David and Melanie Lawlor
Mr and Mrs A Martin
Dr Margaret Mathews
Miss Jane Matthews
Dr Sarah McCleave
Mr Robert McNair
Dr Robert L Miller
Mr Stephen and Mrs Emma Moore
Mrs Suzanne Neill
Mrs Norma Nixon
Cathaoir Ocaiside
Mrs Liz Paton
Mrs Valerie Prosser
Mrs Blaithin Surgeoner
Mr Rowan White
Mr Harold Wilkin
Mr FE Woodhouse
Bronze Friends
Anonymous
Mrs Briege Arthurs, in memory of Peggy Flyn
Miss RE Bell
Mr S Dessain
Mrs Laura Giblin
Jacynth Hamill
Miss K A Jones
Mr ADP McDonald
Lady McFarland
Mrs Nancy McGiveron
Mrs Clíona McGuckin
Mrs K McKendry
Mr Des McKeown
Mr P McKeown
Mr John Wallace
USA Friends
Laurel Bahar
Tim and Missy Beall
Paul and Donna Davison
Richard and Susan Davison
Steven and Kim Davison
Jeff and Norma Young
Margaret Riddle
Charles and Lisa Schmitz
Top left photo by Jim Corr, others by Peter Thompson
Front and back cover image: ‘Distant Rathlin’ by Kenny McKendry RP
