The Seven Stages of Love

The King's Consort

Ruby Hughes Soprano
Robin Blaze Countertenor
Alida Schaat Violin
Jane Norman Viola
Emily Robinson Cello
Judith Evans Double Bass
Lynda Sayce Lute & Theorbo
Robert King Harpsichord & Chamber Organ


Full Programme
Innocence, Desire, Infatuation, Pursuit, Marriage, Offspring and Discord...

Overture       Purcell: Overture and suite from The Old Bachelor 

Innocence    Handel Ombra mai fu                                     
                    Purcell Ah! how sweet it is to love (from Tyrannic Love)
                    & Song tune (from The Virtuous Wife)                       

Desire          Purcell Duet "My dearest; my fairest" (from Pausanias) 
                    Handel Yet can I hear that dulcet lay                                  
                    Gluck O del mio dolce ardor                                                             

Pursuit         Handel Allegro postillions (from Belshazzar)                                    

Infatuation    Monteverdi Pur ti miro                                                       
                    Purcell If love's a sweet passion                                             

INTERVAL 

Marriage      Purcell Overture and Suite from The Married Beau                       
                    Handel Welcome as the dawn of day                                               
                    Michael Berkeley Touch light                                              

Offspring      Purcell Overture and Suite from The Virtuous wife                        
                    Thomas Campion: My love hath vowed he will forsake me 

Dischord      Ford Since first I saw your face                                           
                    Dowland Can she excuse my wrongs                                                

Finale - Reconciliation     Gershwin (arr Thorp) Love is here to stay                          
                                        Rodgers & Hart (arr Thorp) My Funny Valentine                       
                                        Cole Porter (arr Thorp) True Love                     

The King’s Consort, with soprano Ruby Hughes and countertenor Robin Blaze, present a splendidly varied programme for St Valentine’s Day, with music ranging from the Renaissance, glorious Baroque works, to works from the present day. Featured composers include Dowland, Campion, Purcell, Handel, Monteverdi, Gluck, Gershwin, Rogers & Hart, Cole Porter and Michael Berkeley.

"Another moment of melting beauty" - The Independent

Booking Information:

Dates: Tuesday 14th February
Times: Starts 7:30pm
Prices: £25 unreserved, £35 best seats reserved (sold out)
Food: Available to buy from the bar, choose from a range of freshly prepared light dishes including savoury tarts, tortilla, salads,  one hot dish and our delicious chocolate brownies