Orpheus Britannicus

The Anglican Chapel Royal of James II enjoyed the peak of a glorious musical renaissance at the end of the seventeenth century under the direction of John Blow and his genius of a pupil Henry Purcell. Described at the time as ‘Orpheus Britannicus’ (Britain’s own Orpheus), Purcell’s works distilled the essence of English choral music from the Stuart period as exemplified by Blow and blended it with a heady and intoxicating mix of French and Italian influence.

The Mayfield Consort presents a selection of works by Blow and Purcell for soloists, choir, string ensemble and organ that reflects the florid pageantry of the Stuart court at this period. The music includes compositions for royal occasions such as James’s lavish coronation service and the funeral of his daughter, Mary II, in addition to secular works for strings and rarely heard organ works.

The Mayfield Consort was founded in 2007 and has developed since then from a small group of local singers to one of the south-east’s leading chamber choirs. Directed by David Force, one of the founder members, the Mayfield Consort now comprises some sixteen singers drawn mainly from East Sussex and Kent, including former university choral scholars, cathedral lay clerks, and several professional musicians.