Trinity Laban x Monteverdi Choir and Orchestras: developing historical performance
Trinity Laban partners with the Monteverdi Choir and Orchestras, three internationally-renowned ensembles in the field of period performance.
The new partnership will enrich Trinity Laban’s undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum with new educational initiatives, masterclasses, and immersive side-by-side schemes for young musicians. The MCO will work closely with the Old Royal Naval College – where our King Charles Court music building is based – and also support our community engagement work.
The partnership launched on Sunday 20 October with the MCO performing the choral music of Anton Bruckner alongside the sacred motets of Carlo Gesualdo. Before the concert at the Old Royal Naval College, music broadcaster and writer Sara Mohr-Pietsch engaged in conversation with conductor, Jonathan Sells. Together, they delved into the music of Bruckner & Gesualdo – two unlikely bedfellows, musical mavericks 250 years apart. Matteo delle Frate provided Italian coaching on the Francesca Caccini scene, along with James Halliday working on the historically informed style.
Dr Rosa Solinas, General Director at The Monteverdi Choir and Orchestras (MCO) said: “As the world’s only conservatoire with a collegiate Chapel Choir, Trinity Laban presents an extraordinary opportunity for joint work in both sacred and secular music, introducing students to the Monteverdi Choir’s world-renowned approach. This three-way partnership between an iconic heritage location, an innovative conservatoire and a world-renowned ensemble presents an exciting possibility to collaborate at all levels. Together, at a site of historical importance, we will present a new artistic offering to the Old Royal Naval College’s 800,000 annual visitors.”
Matthew Mees, Chief Executive, Old Royal Naval College said: “We are delighted to partner with the The Monteverdi Choir and Orchestras, together we hope to bring an extraordinary blend of world-class music and performance to the stunning surroundings of the Old Royal Naval College, creating an unforgettable experience that celebrates both artistry and history.”
Dr Aleksander Szram, Artistic Director of Trinity Laban, said: “We are very pleased to be working with the Monteverdi Choir and Orchestra and the Old Royal Naval College on this partnership, which inspires each of the partners to connect world-class music-making to a sense of place and community. The unique strengths of each of us will combine to create brilliant work, starting with our first concert together on October 20.”
Image Credit: Handel Israel in Egypt, March 2024