Ex Corde Vocal Ensemble
EX Corde Vocal Ensemble and lutenist and theorbo player Matthew Wadsworth join forces to mark the 400th anniversary of the death of John Dowland at the National Centre for Early Music, York, on September 18.
Dowland’s enduringly expressive lute songs – including Come Again, Sweet Love, Can She Excuse My Wrongs and Flow My Tears – are paired with a selection of his solo lute music in an evening of compelling vocal and instrumental English Renaissance music.
Alongside Dowland’s music, the 7.30m programme explores the work of his contemporary, William Byrd, with contrasting pieces including the penitential motet Ne Irascaris and the lighter, more intimate madrigal When I Was Otherwise.
Christopher Fox’s striking new work, Humble Verses, will be premiered. Setting words by Emilia Lanier – a remarkable female contemporary of Byrd and Dowland – Fox brings a distinctly modern perspective to the voices and ideas of Renaissance England.
Ex Corde Vocal Ensemble uses vocal music to create, collaborate and connect, bringing composers, performers and audiences closer together. Founded in 2020, the ensemble brings together singers from across the UK, many of them alumni of the University of York.
Lutenist Matthew Wadsworth
Its work has included collaborations with York Waits, the Rose Consort of Viols and composers Christopher Fox, David Lancaster and Ambrose Field, alongside appearances on BBC Radio 3’s Early Music Show and at the York Early Music Festival.
Matthew Wadsworth is one of Britain’s leading performers on lute and theorbo, enjoying an extensive international career as a soloist, chamber musician and continuo specialist.
Following his studies at the Royal Academy of Music, he established himself on the international early music scene, performing at major festivals and concert halls throughout Europe, North America and beyond.
His collaborations include performances with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Academy of Ancient Music, as well as regular appearances on radio and television. His recordings for labels including Channel Classics and Linn have received numerous accolades, such as Gramophone Editor’s Choice.
Tickets are on sale on 01904 658338, via email to [email protected] or at https://ncem.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173679361.