The viol consort Phantasm.
On Monday 12th May, The University of Sheffield invited my manager, Barry Mead, and I to watch The Queen's Command at The Globe Theatre in London. It was a treat for us both as we had never been to a concert of purely early music played on it's authentic instruments before, and the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse in the Shakespeare's Globe complex was just the perfect setting. The theatre is proportioned to allow for performances without microphones or big PA systems. The performers used the intimate setting to really bring the audience in to their world, and make us feel like we were stepping back in time, all the way back to the Elizabethan period. They performed by candle light, which not only suits the period perfectly but created a wonderful warm atmosphere in the theatre.
Here is a write up with more information about the concert:
Queen Elizabeth I played the virginals and wrote poetry as a relaxation from the trials of state business. The Queen’s Command transports us back in time and pays tribute to her through the music and poetry of the finest composers and poets of the golden age, as well as reviving reported conversations between the Queen and her contemporaries.
Pinnock, playing on the virginals, will be joined by the viol consort Phantasm, soprano Dame Emma Kirkby and tenor Stuart Jackson. Poetry and readings will be brought to life by Roger Allam who won the 2011 Best Actor Olivier Award for his performance as Falstaff in Henry IV Parts 1 and 2 at Shakespeare’s Globe.
The Queen’s Command is part of a series of special musical evenings curated by one of the leading figures in early music, Trevor Pinnock.
More information available here.
A big thank you to The University of Sheffield for inviting us to this fantastic show case of early music and to such an insight in to the life of Queen Elizabeth I, for a lovely meal, interesting company and conversation and a thoroughly enjoyable evening.