As our very first event, it is no exaggeration to say that HAP is thrilled to present the world premiere of SummerSuite by Holt Festival founder, artistic director and alumni, Tony Britten. This magical work will form part of an evening of glorious music sung by award-winning, internationally acclaimed, and surely Britain’s finest group of consort singers, The Gesualdo Six directed by Owain Park.

The group came together in 2014 for a performance of Gesualdo’s Tenebrae Responsories and have continued to delight and amaze audiences around the world appearing at such revered venues as Wigmore Hall (London), Miller Theatre (New York), Sydney Opera House, and the Royal Albert Hall for the BBC Proms.

As Tony wrote: “The joy of writing for six singers who are such consummate musicians is that in addition to the usual word painting that is the basis of any vocal composition, I was able to explore a whole range of vocal colours and layers that will add an extra dimension to the work.”

SummerSuite a little over 20 minutes in length comprises eight poems from the United Kingdom and the United States written between the early 16th and late 19th centuries and to quote Tony “it seems appropriate that the world premiere of my latest piece should be part of the exciting new initiative of Holt Art Projects.”

The remainder of the concert will be taken from The Wishing Tree – a collection of works ranging from the madrigal through folk song to the contemporary all referencing the beauty and pleasure of the summer months.

Tickets coming soon to TryBooking

Guy James countertenor
Alasdair Austin countertenor
Joseph Wicks tenor
Josh Cooter tenor
Simon Grant baritone
Owain Park director and bass

Photograph by Andrew Wilkinson