World Premiere of Robert Hugill’s Cantata ’The Testament of Dr. Cranmer’ 1 July, 2005 at Church of St. Giles Cripplegate, Fore Street, Barbican, London, UK

The world premiere of the new cantata ’The Testament of Dr. Cranmer’ by contemporary classical composer Robert Hugill is to be performed by the Eight:Fifteen Vocal Ensemble, conducted by Malcolm Cottle, on 1 July 2005 at Church of St. Giles Cripplegate. The concert celebrates the life and martyrdom of Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, and includes the words from his final speech.

The Eight:Fifteen Vocal Ensemble is a new ensemble of professional choral singers which was formed to complement FifteenB’s existing amateur choir. This will be the Vocal Ensemble’s first concert.

The concert also includes premieres of a number of Robert Hugill’s works including four motets from ‘The Tempus Per Annum’ project and a new piece for cello and choir, ’Collect for Cello and Choir’, written especially for cellist Jonathan Cottle. He will also be performing a group of 20th century pieces for unaccompanied cello.

Tickets cost £10 (concessions £5) and are available on the door or in advance from Islington Music, 6 Shillingford Street, Islington, Tel: 020 7354 3195 or visit http://www.hugill.demon.co.uk/cranmer.htm to buy tickets on-line

Robert Hugill comments: ”As Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Cranmer was responsible for laying the foundations for the creation of the Church of England as it exists today. His final speech affirming his belief in a reformed Protestant church was both a great political failure for Queen Mary and one of the defining moments in the Anglican Church. As with his written word, Cranmer’s last speech combines clarity of thought with words of such poetry that they cry out to be set to music.”

FifteenB premiered a group of Robert Hugill’s motets at the Chelsea Festival in 2004. Excerpts from Robert Hugill’s ’Passion’ where also recently broadcast on Radio 3.

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Notes for editors


About Robert Hugill

Robert Hugill writes attractive, accessible, contemporary classical music in a variety of genres. Recent performances have included sacred motets, orchestral music and a one-act opera. In June 2004, FifteenB presented a programme at the Chelsea Festival, which showcased six of Robert’s motets. For further information visit http://www.hugill.demon.co.uk

About FifteenB

FifteenB was formed by composer Robert Hugill in 1994 to promote accessible contemporary music concerts. Based in London around a chamber choir, the group has promoted regular concerts which mix Robert’s compositions with other contemporary music. For more information visit http://www.hugill.demon.co.uk/fifteenb.htm

Contact Information

Robert Hugill

Artistic Director

FifteenB

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