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ENSEMBLE INFO

Ensemble Contact:

Email:

consonequartet@gmail.com

2012

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Under the Quiet Sky is a programme devised by the Consone Quartet and long-standing
collaborator, mezzo-soprano Helen Charlston, focused around the music of Henry Purcell.

In this project we explore Purcell’s colourful harmonic language alongside responses by
Benjamin Britten and Oliver Leith, creating conversation between seventeenth century
England and the present day. Vocal works are interwoven with instrumental chaconnes and
fantasias, forming a structure in which text, variation and fantasy become thematic threads
across centuries. The evening opens and closes with short melodies by Vaughan Williams,
framing the programme with reflective intimacy.

Purcell’s works are interspersed with Britten’s re-imaginings and two works by Oliver Leith:
the newly commissioned quartet piece, On a horse, on a hill, faraway, through fog and bonfire
(inspired by the chaconne form) and A Different Fantasie, based on a fantasia by Matthew
Locke.

Britten’s presence is particularly significant in 2026, marking 50 years since his death and
highlighting his influential role in championing Purcell’s music.

Oliver Leith is an established and distinctive voice in British composition. His knowledge of
harmony and sensitivity to string textures is unique and we truly enjoyed working with him on
the commission featured here. The work was written with our gut strings in mind, responding
to their grain, warmth and expressive flexibility. We are keen to secure further performances of
Oliver’s works, giving them a prime place within this programme.

We previously collaborated with Helen on a programme of Romantic lieder arrangements
which led to an album recording with BIS Records. Promoters who responded warmly to this
combination are encouraging us to retain the partnership and explore contrasting repertoire.
Under the Quiet Sky offers precisely this new direction, enabling us to delve into
earlier and contemporary music beyond the classical and romantic focus that has defined much
of our group's work over the past decade.

We have greatly enjoyed working with Alastair Ross on arranging repertoire for different
instrumentation. His expertise in early and vocal music will be invaluable in this project,
ensuring stylistic integrity while making the repertoire practical and idiomatic.

We are presenting the programme at Cowbridge Festival and are in conversation with UK
promoters regarding autumn 2026 performances. As a new venture, significant preparation is
required: arranging some of the music and dedicated rehearsal time are essential to shape the
programme to a high standard. To ensure we get more mileage out of it, we are looking for more
performance opportunities, reconnecting with smaller venues where concerts have needed
subsidising in the past.

Support from CF would enable us to realise this ambitious project with the
depth of preparation it deserves, celebrating Purcell’s legacy, acknowledging Britten’s
advocacy, and championing Leith’s contemporary voice.

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