News in the early-music world...

Anglo-Italian harpsichordist Michele Benuzzi has released his second solo CD: 'Hamburg 1705' is a recital of music by Handel, Graupner, and Mattheson, played on the c1740 harpsichord by Dulcken in the collection of Sheila Barnes.

Charlotte Wilson's recital on June 3rd, playing the Vincentius virginals at Fenton House (Byrd, Bull, Sweelinck, Frescobaldi, Froberger) is reviewed on this website.

The Tomkins region is normally well provided with relevant recitals - on one of his instruments, at least. The recital series at St Swithun's, Worcester has now come to an end, but it is to be hoped that the recently-restored 1795 Gray organ will be heard again. The current Tewkesbury series continues to flourish, and in several senses is in the tradition: the oldest parts of the Milton Organ at Tewkesbury are by Tomkins' builder, Thomas Dallam.

About the Society...

The Thomas Tomkins Society seeks to pursue interests of all kinds in the music of the English Renaissance and its context. We aim to encourage interest in and enjoyment of Tomkins' music (and the music of a range of other composers) at all levels. We clearly need a Society dedicated to giving Tomkins the recognition he deserves as one of England's finest composers - and to fostering interest in the English Virginalists generally. Anyone interested in Tomkins, in early music, in keyboard instruments, in choral music, consort music, or in the wider musical and cultural contexts of Renaissance England and its European parallels, is most welcome to join us.

The image to the left is a watercolour of the church at Martin Hussingtee (the village where Tomkins spent the last part of his life); the picture is owned by the Worcestershire Record Office and is used by their kind permission. The copyright owner has not been identified: anyone with a claim should contact us.