This exploration of flowers and gardens, both actual and allegorical, combines settings of the Song of Songs and its evocation of a luscious, fertile landscape by Spanish composers of the late Renaissance with Benjamin Britten’s playful Flower Songs. Two new commissions from talented young British composers Amy Bryce and Leo Chadburn frame the second half of the programme.

Programme

Sebastian de Vivanco Veni dilecte mi, Surge propera, Sicut lilium

Rodrigo de Ceballos Hortus Conclusus

Juan Gutierrez de Padilla Missa Ego flos campi

Francisco Guerrero Ego flos campi

Tomas Luis de Victoria Vidi speciosam

Benjamin Britten Flower Songs

Amy Bryce Madrigals for Plants

Leo Chadburn Flower Dictionary