Songs from a Strange Land

William Byrd and his legacy

7-21 October
Wollongong, Sydney, Newcastle ​

In the 400th anniversary year of the death of renowned English Renaissance composer William Byrd, The Song Company celebrates Byrd's own music and his legacy that continues to influence contemporary composers such as David Lang, Jeremy Cull, and Pelle Gudmunsen-Holmgreen. These composers have taken inspiration from Byrd's unique style and expanded upon it, creating contemporary pieces that are deeply rooted in the tradition of a cappella music.

Today, Byrd's music is celebrated for its rich harmonies, intricate polyphonic textures, and innovative musical ideas that continue to captivate audiences around the world. Noted early-music specialist Christopher Watson makes his conducting debut with The Song Company in this program of sublime beauty.

Program
William Byrd Tristitia et anxietas
David Lang I want to live (where you live) ​
Jeremy Cull Super flumina
William Byrd Ye sacred muses
Pelle Gudmunsen-Holmgreen You and I and Amyas
Gabriel Jackson In all his works
William Byrd Tribue Domine
Gabriel Jackson I gaze upon you

The Song Company
Susannah Lawergren, Amy Moore – Sopranos
Jessica O'Donoghue – Mezzo-Soprano
Christopher Watson, Timothy Reynolds – Tenors
Hayden Barrington – Baritone

Christopher Watson – Guest Director