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April 17, 2012

Contact: Michele Abba
805-756-2406; mabba@calpoly.edu

Cal Poly Early Music Ensemble Presents ‘Treasures of Tudor England’ May 18

SAN LUIS OBISPO – The Cal Poly Early Music Ensemble will present “Treasures of Tudor England” at 8 p.m Friday, May 18, in the Pavilion of the Performing Arts Center.

Conducted by Thomas Davies, the 12-member ensemble will perform a wide variety of works – both sacred and secular – from the pen of Henry VIII to William Byrd, the favorite composer of Queen Elizabeth I.

“The history of Tudor England is filled with political intrigue, religious turmoil and periods of calm,” said Davies. “Its musical history is no less varied.”

The first half of the concert will feature music from the great cathedral tradition. Anthems for Protestant England by Orlando Gibbons, Richard Farrant, Thomas Tallis and Christopher Tye will be paired with works for Catholic England, highlighted by Byrd’s great “Mass for Five.”

Secular music – from traditional madrigals by John Dowland, George Kirby and Thomas Morley, to works by Henry VIII – will be featured in the second half. “The audience will also be treated to special surprises by Michael East, Thomas Weelkes and Thomas Ravenscroft,” Davies said.

Paul Woodring will accompany the ensemble on harpsichord and organ.

Tickets are $8 for seniors and students and $12 for the public. They are on sale at the Performing Arts Ticket Office from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekends. To order online, visit www.pacslo.org; by phone, call SLO-ARTS (805-756-2787); or by fax, dial 805-756-6088.

The concert is sponsored by Cal Poly’s College of Liberal Arts, Music Department, and Instructionally Related Activities program. For more information, call the Music Department at 805-756-2406 or go to http://music.calpoly.edu.

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