Nature and Science: Brighton Early Music Festival 2016, October 28-November 13.
Brighton Early Music Festival has launched its fifteenth annual programme. The Festival is riding high after one of its 2015 productions, Francesca Caccini’s opera La liberazione di Ruggiero, was listed as one of The Guardian’s Top 10 Classical and Opera performances of 2015.
The theme for this year’s festival is Nature and Science, with flagship events including:
- Galileo (October 20 and 30) – a new play with music about the life and work of Galileo. Set during his final days, the play relives key moments in Galileo’s life including his trial, excommunication and house arrest. The play is illustrated by music that Galileo would have known, including pieces written by his father, and will be performed by vocal ensemble the Marian Consort and the Monteverdi String Band.
- Gaia (2 performances November 12) – a modern take on the intermedi spectaculars of the 16th century. Gaia brings together music and drama from the 16th and 17th centuries with 21st century effects such as film, projection, lighting effects, mime, yoga and dance. The work tells the story of the Earth and how humans have perceived it through the ages, with music ranging from Antoine Brumel’s earth-shattering ‘Earthquake’ Mass, to beautiful pastoral madrigals and motets celebrating the Queen of Heaven. Performers include the English Sackbut and Cornett Ensemble, Lacock Scholars, BREMF Consort of Voices, and the BREMF Community Choir which is an integral part of the festival’s grass-roots connection.
- Music, Science and Natural Magic (October 28) – performed by L’Avventura London, and showcasing the work of 17th century musician, alchemist and polymath Athanasius Kircher.
- Dr Dee’s Daughter and the Philosopher’s Stone (November 12) – a brand new family show with recorder consort Palisander and puppets from Rust and Stardust Productions.
Festival Co-artistic Director Clare Norburn said: “We’re really excited about this year’s festival programme which gives us so many creative opportunities to explore the worlds of nature and science – two interconnected subjects which run closely alongside the history of music.”
Tickets for the full list of festival events (£5-£25) are on sale to Friends of the Festival from Monday, August 22, and on general sale from Monday, September 5.
To book online, click here:
Or telephone: 01273 709709.