Michael Fields director, harp Ansy Boothroyd the soul John Hancorn the devil Evelyn Tubb humility, queen of the virtues Lindsay Richardson, Ruth Gomme, Jennie Cassidy, Clare Norburn, Abigail Gorton, Yvonne Eddy, Katie Draffan, Katharine Hawnt, Frederique Klooster the virtues

The acclaimed production of Ordo Virtutum (the Rite of the Virtues) by Hildegard von Bingen. Although this 12th century medieval drama is arguably the oldest ‘opera’, its eloquence has reached out to audiences Internationally across almost 1000 years of history, offering us a timeless glimpse of the human condition. Sung throughout to music which combines the meditational qualities of Gregorian Chant with lyrical emotional expression, and acted with ardent characterisation and dramatic nuance, this is the greatest musical work by the visionary Abbess Hildegard of Bingen. The group utilises dramatic staging, which can be adapted for any venue. Staged in costume (including robes provided for local performers), there is no fixed staging or keyboard required and it can be particularly effective performed by candle-light. This proven production has an experienced cast of professional performers, and the critically-acclaimed film has been seen by TV audiences around the world. Running-time 70 minutes

Sample Programmes:

Ordo Virtutum: The story tells of the Soul’s struggle with the temptations of the world, and how the Virtues aid her fight against the Devil. It is a moving and dramatic vision of the journey through life which we all take, torn between conflicting desires and beliefs, and yearning for support from deeper springs of strength.
Also Visitatio Sepulchri: Easter dramas (as performed at York Early Music Festival, 2000)
Mediaeval Midwinter Medley: Singers plus harp and lute produce spiced and warming solos, duets and trios with a candlelit midwinter theme.

Education:

Workshops on plainchant, singing, drama themes for local performers; illustrated talks on performing Hildegard and other mediaeval music.

Recordings:

CD Ordo Virtutum Etcetera Records KTC 1203
DVD Hildegard von Bingen in Portrait (double disc set) Opus Arte OA 0874 D

Performances:

1 Jun 07 BBC Radio 3 ‘In Tune’
3 Jun 07 Wadhurst Summer Music Festival, Church
of St Peter and St Paul
7 Jun 07 Bridgewater Hall, Manchester

Contact:

Lindsay Richardson, 46 Shrubbery Road London N9 0PA

Tel: 020 8884 1278
Mob: 07765 420173

Email: ordo.website@mac.com
Website: www.vox-animae.org.uk