Brighton Consort (11th August 2020)
Brighton Consort was formed in 1971 and is looking forward to celebrating its 50th anniversary year in 2021. We are a small choir of about 30 people and over the years we have become well known in particular for our ambitious exploration of the rich repertoire of renaissance and early baroque music. From time to time we also perform some contemporary works.
Previous Musical Directors over the last 20 years have included Deborah Roberts (longstanding Artistic Director of the Brighton Early Music Festival) and Katie Thomas (currently Vocal Coach / Assistant Chorus Master to the BBC Symphony Chorus, Associate Conductor of the Barts Choir of London, and Visiting Conductor at the Royal College of Music and the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain). The present MD is James Dixon, who is also involved in directing a number of other ensembles in and around London. James will be leaving Brighton Consort in 2021 and we are currently in the process of appointing his successor (this is currently on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic). The current Chairman of the choir is Mike Clemens, who is also a member of various local instrumental groups including The Sussex Waits. In keeping with Brighton Consort’s early music interests several of our choir members are closely involved in the administration and running of the annual Brighton Early Music Festival.
Much of our music consists of a capella works but from time to time we perform with professional or skilled amateur instrumentalists and soloists. Recent Brighton Consort programmes under James Dixon’s guidance have included collaborations with Ensemble Reza, the Paul Nieman Brass Ensemble, members of The Corelli Ensemble and chamber organist Nick Houghton. In common with all other amateur choirs our plans for live rehearsals and future public performances are currently paused, but when we are able to resume we will be presenting an exciting programme of music from the 15th to the 17th centuries entitled “Seven Degrees of Separation”. This will include works by William Byrd, Clemens non Papa, Josquin, Philippe de Monte, Palestrina and Thomas Tallis. The concert was scheduled for October 31st 2020 at St George’s Church, Kemptown, but this date is very much in doubt now so please watch out for a future announcement!
We are always keen to recruit new members in all voice sections (especially baritones and basses at the moment). Enquiries are welcome at any time (you don’t need to wait until choirs are allowed to sing together again). Please contact Mike Clemens by email (mike@brightonconsort.org.uk ) and take a look at our website https://www.brightonconsort.