'The Amaryllis Consort, an ensemble whose members all show an exceptionally high level of musicianship...Balance, ensemble and intonation were immaculate; every detail was beautifully presented and the sound was wonderful. It was a demonstration of excellence in every respect...' (The Guardian)
Vocal ensemble The Amaryllis Consort was founded in 1983 by the internationally renowned counter-tenor Charles Brett. Initially comprising distinguished soloists with an interest in the subtleties of consort singing, the group has performed several hundred concerts throughout the UK and in many European countries including France, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Portugal. It has toured Mexico and Central America several times and through its concert work, broadcasts and recordings has established itself as one of Europe's leading vocal ensembles. The directorship of the group has recently been assumed by baritone Francis Brett.
The Consort’s repertory was initially in the Renaissance and embraced a wide range of a cappella music of the period, both sacred and secular. While this remains a speciality, the Consort’s approach has become increasingly flexible, and its programmes highly varied, both in terms of material and the forces used. Different groupings of singers – from 6 to 18 voices – are available, either a cappella or in combination with instruments, and this enables the group to explore an exciting repertoire from different musical periods. The odes and anthems of Purcell, Monteverdi’s Vespers, Handel’s St John Passion, Mozart’s Salzburg masses, Bach’s motets, and the church music of Brahms and Poulenc have all featured in the Consort’s programmes and illustrate its great versatility and the catholic nature of its musical sympathies.
Among the Consort’s recordings, its CD of Italian madrigals has been described by the Gramophone as “the best comprehensive survey of the Italian madrigal on the market”. Its anthology of English madrigals has also been highly acclaimed, and its J.C. Demantius disc received the “Evénement du mois” award from Compact Disc Magazine.
Vocal ensemble The Amaryllis Consort was founded in 1983 by the internationally renowned counter-tenor Charles Brett. Initially comprising distinguished soloists with an interest in the subtleties of consort singing, the group has performed several hundred concerts throughout the UK and in many European countries including France, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Portugal. It has toured Mexico and Central America several times and through its concert work, broadcasts and recordings has established itself as one of Europe's leading vocal ensembles. The directorship of the group has recently been assumed by baritone Francis Brett.
The Consort’s repertory was initially in the Renaissance and embraced a wide range of a cappella music of the period, both sacred and secular. While this remains a speciality, the Consort’s approach has become increasingly flexible, and its programmes highly varied, both in terms of material and the forces used. Different groupings of singers – from 6 to 18 voices – are available, either a cappella or in combination with instruments, and this enables the group to explore an exciting repertoire from different musical periods. The odes and anthems of Purcell, Monteverdi’s Vespers, Handel’s St John Passion, Mozart’s Salzburg masses, Bach’s motets, and the church music of Brahms and Poulenc have all featured in the Consort’s programmes and illustrate its great versatility and the catholic nature of its musical sympathies.
Among the Consort’s recordings, its CD of Italian madrigals has been described by the Gramophone as “the best comprehensive survey of the Italian madrigal on the market”. Its anthology of English madrigals has also been highly acclaimed, and its J.C. Demantius disc received the “Evénement du mois” award from Compact Disc Magazine.