St Mary's Cathedral Concert Series presents: Ensemble Antiqua - The Spirit of Italy

Llewellyn Negrin (recorder), Christine Akerman (baroque violin), Tim Lowe (guitar) and Alexander Rodrigues (spinet and voice) perform a selection of works on period instruments. 

Ensemble Antiqua will be performing a number of works by Italian Baroque composers as well as some by composers who have been inspired by this repertoire. In the former category are: Marcello’s well-known oboe concerto in d minorwhich features a particularly lyrical slow movement; a cantata by Vivaldi All’ombra di sospetto sung by Alexander Rodrigues, which features a lovely interplay between singer and recorder; and a Trio Sonata in G by Sammartini. The works by Italian-inspired composers include a Sonata in G by German composer Friedrich Wilhelm Rust who flourished in the late 18th-century and wrote this work after spending a couple of years in Italy studying with some of the leading composers of the day. Originally scored for violin and lute, we will be performing it on recorder and guitar. Also on the programme is a beautiful aria Ave Maria by 20th century Russian composer and guitarist, Vladimir Vavilov who was inspired by the late Renaissance/early Baroque composer Caccini and a Trio Sonata in d minor, op. 2 no. 3 by 20th century German composer and recorder player Winfried Michel, who has written a number of works in Italian Baroque style under the pseudonym – Giovanni Paolo Simonetti.