English Verse Anthems

In the wake of the English Reformation, vibrant new forms of vernacular sacred music flourished. Among them was the verse anthem, a striking innovation that set solo voices in dialogue with the full ensemble, providing rich opportunity for narrative expression and musical development. This programme explores the composers who brought this distinctive form to life.

At its heart is the music of Orlando Gibbons, spanning sacred works from his time at the Chapel Royal, spirited secular pieces from his characterful madrigals, and exquisite consort writing for viols and voices. A highlight is ‘This is the Record of John’, written by Gibbons for a visit of Archbishop Laud to his alma mater St John's College Oxford.

Alongside these early masterpieces are newly commissioned works by Áine Mallon, Anna Semple and Owain Park, written especially for this collaboration. These contemporary voices respond to the same interplay between viols and singers, creating a dialogue across four centuries within the beautiful acoustics of Boxgrove Priory.