Eric Moulder shawm/curtals/bagpipes/recorders/crumhorn/voice/director Jane Foster curtal/bagpipes/recorders/crumhorn/renaissance flute Tony Millyard hurdy gurdies/recorders/crumhorn/bagpipes/curtal/percussion/cittern/voice June Emmerson violin/viol/crumhorn/voice Steve Heavens renaissance guitar/viol/violone/voice Jim Parr sackbutt/recorders/crumhorns/curtal/bagpipes/voice

Piva is inspired by the professional Waits and Court Bands of the 16th and early 17th centuries and specialises in giving lively performances of popular dance music and ballads of the period. Piva performs in period costume using a range of historically accurate instruments. Their aim is to be faithful to the music and influences of the period whilst adding their own innovative arrangements and interpretations. They strive to bring a fresh approach to the music and like to entertain using historical anecdotes and humour rather than give ‘formal’ concerts. Piva is versatile and they can tailor their repertoire to suit any occasion. Whether it’s the full renaissance ‘big band’ using bagpipes, shawms and sackbut that is required or more intimate music on viols, violins and recorders, Piva can provide a varied and entertaining programme for any type of event.

Sample Programme:

Nobody’s Jig: Dances, Tunes and Songs for Every Man Music was part of the popular consciousness in the late 16th century and everyday Elizabethans knew a vast number of songs and tunes. Piva explores popular music of the period and performs both Continental and English pieces, highlighting how tunes could cross borders.

Education:

Piva offer a variety lecture recitals on renaissance instruments and music, eg Travel back in time to Memmingen in the 1520’s to the workshop of the crumhorn maker Jörg Wier and re-live a typical day. Programmes developed to suit age and audience.

Recordings:

Demo CD available on request. New full length CD Heigh Ho Holiday due for release 2007.

Performances:

27 Jul 07 Cotswold Early Music Festival, Cirencester
10 Aug 07 Lincoln Early Music Festival
29 Sep 07 European Arts Festival, Este, Italy

Contact:

Eric Moulder, 30 King Street, Leek,
Staffs, ST13 5NW
Tel: 01538 386867
Fax: 01538 386867

Email: eric@renaissancewoodwinds.co.uk Website: www.piva.org.uk