Dawn Johnston theorbo/lute/baroque guitar Maria Sanger recorder

Aurora provides an opportunity for small scale music making of a particularly intimate kind in which, by employing a wide range of recorders and plucked string instruments, the performers are able to draw an audience into the domestic sound-world of a renaissance or early baroque chamber. Flexible programming based around the concept of variety provides an experience of the wide diversity of styles and musical languages that make the renaissance and early baroque periods so rich an artistic resource. The style and content of Aurora’s programmes make them particularly suitable for smaller, historic, or candlelit venues, and they have been heard to fine effect in various National Trust properties. Communication and interaction is an important part of their presentation; an aspect which has been warmly welcomed by audiences. Repertoire flexibility allows programmes to be tailored around festival or series themes and Aurora are pleased to discuss varied possibilities.

Sample Programmes:

Stay, Sweet Nymph: A 40 to 90 minute programme of renaissance and early baroque chamber music exploring the intimate sonorities of the recorder and lute duo. A mixture of instrumental works and vocal arrangements using a wide range of instrumentation and including music by Henry VIII, John Dowland, Diego Ortiz and John Adson.

Education:

Tudor Music for Schools: Music workshops for years 4 to 6 to tie in with curriculum studies of English History. Presented in schools in the City of London and in Hertfordshire in March and April 2006. Further details available on request.

Recordings:

Stay, Sweet Nymph: Renaissance and early baroque music for recorder and lutes. Released May 2006 Also Demo CD available on request

Performances:

10 Dec 06 The Kings Head (NT), Aylesbury
31 Jan 07 London School of Economic Science
Concert Series
18 Apr 07 Egham Music Club, United Reformed
Church, Egham

Contact:

Maria Sanger, 9 Burton Close, Windlesham, Surrey GU20 6QJ

Tel: 01276 453396

Email: info@duo-aurora.co.uk
Website: www.duo-aurora.co.uk