English Exiles

Pre-concert talk at 6:30pm for ticket holders - discussion with Professor Lionel Pike, former Director of Chapel Music at Royal Holloway. 

Amid a time of religious upheaval and persecution three English musicians fled to work abroad amid accusations of treason and even adultery. The Choir of Royal Holloway with the English Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble present a fascinating programme of music by John Bull, Richard Dering and Peter Philips complete with historical anecdotes.  The concert also marks the launch of a new CD recording of motets from Peter Philips’ Cantiones Sacrae Octonis Vocibus (1613).

“a superb programme of Philips, Bull and Dering, all of whom served abroad in the Low Countries. This is continental-influenced music of great brightness and vitality.” (Church Times)

“The mixed choir of Royal Holloway College makes a truly fabulous sound under the assured direction of Rupert Gough” (The Times)

"...sackbuts provided a wonderfully sonorous and lyrical foundation...cornettists excelled at moulding the melodic line and adding unobtrusive ornamentation...an excellent concert by an impressive group" (Early Music Review)