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Fretwork & Helen Charlston

Gibbons versus Muhly

Four hundred years: a mere sigh in eternity. In this concert, Fretwork and the mezzo-soprano Helen Charlson mediate between two creative heroes, separated by time but united in gorgeous music: the virginalist Orlando Gibbons (1583-1625) and composer Nico Muhly (°1981). Fretwork has been one of the world’s best consorts of viols for decades. It has retrieved the most beautiful pages of Gibbons’ delicate ensemble repertoire, from meditative In Nomines to The Cries of London – a 17 th century city scene – and the vivid fantasies that once entertained the London court. Nico Muhly, who will incidentally make an appearance in the closing concert of VIOLA DA GAMBAinPRIMETIME as well, wrote My Days as a contemporary musical reflection on this magnificent oeuvre.

Program

N. Muhly: My Days | O. Gibbons: Fantasies in 6 parts | Pavan & Galliard | Dainty fine bird | Fair is the Rose | What is our life? | Now each flowery bank of May | Nay let me weep | Ne’er let the sun | Yet if that age | Go from my window

Performers

Richard Boothby, Emily Ashton, Emilia Benjamin, Joanna Levine, Sam Stadlen, Jonathan Rees, viola da gamba | Helen Charlston, mezzo-soprano

Sat 7 February 2026

20:00 - AMUZ

Prices:

Category 1: € 33 / € 29 | Category 2: € 29 / € 25 | Youth -19: € 5

Order tickets

View season tickets of the festival inPRIMETIME

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Alexander Chance will not be able to perform in the concert with Fretwork. He will be replaced by Helen Charlston.

Helen Charlston is one of the most distinctive voices of her generation. Since winning the London Handel Competition in 2018, her career has taken a remarkable flight. As a BBC New Generation Artist (2021–23) and laureate of the prestigious Le Jardin des Voix academy with Les Arts Florissants (2021–22), she has firmly established her place at the international forefront.

Her album Battle Cry earned widespread acclaim, winning both a Gramophone Award for Best Concept Album and the *BBC Music Magazine Vocal Award—an exceptional double distinction. She regularly appears on leading stages such as Wigmore Hall, the Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Leeds Lieder, Oxford Song, and the Cheltenham Festivals. Moreover, she is a passionate advocate for contemporary music, particularly new works for historical instruments. Beyond her performing career, she contributes to the wider musical field as artistic advisor to the York Early Music Festival, vice-president of the Rodolfus Foundation, and patron of the music charity La Folia.