Details

The haunting melody that captured the imagination of renaissance composers.

About the artists

Rosemary Hodgson maintains a vibrant career as Australia’s virtuoso lutenist. Known for her remarkable sensitivity and technique, her performances maintain a focus and subtlety that is captivating.

About the concert

Her performance in Primrose Potter Salon will take audiences on an intricately constructed musical journey, exploring the themes of mysticism and personal pilgrimage.

In the 11th century the Virgin Mary appeared to noble woman Mary Richeldis de Faverche, in Norfolk England, and there in Walsingham, a shrine to the Holy House was built. It became a spiritual destination for English and international pilgrims alike.

When Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries in 1536, a lament for the loss of this Holy Place was embedded in a song whose tune became known as Walsingham. This haunting melody captured the imagination of renaissance composers, such as William Byrd and John Dowland.

Inspired by the famous ballad, seven Elizabethan lutenists wrote variations on Walsingham for the lute. Woven together for this performance are works by John Dowland, John Johnson, Edward Collard, John Marchant, Francis Cutting, George Huwitt and Anthony Holborne form a contemporary and contemplative musical journey.

Praise for Rosemary Hodgson

‘If I could pick a soundtrack for heaven, this would be it.’ Millfield Press Gang

COVID Safety

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ARTISTS

Rosemary Hodgson lute

Series

This production is part of the following series: