News in the early-music world...

In Worcester, the home city of Thomas Tomkins, one naturally expects to hear his music performed - and most particularly in Tomkins' own cathedral. There is a series of organ recitals running in the cathedral on Saturdays: it is to be hoped that early music will be well represented, and that the recitals will be well supported:-

27th June: John Gearhart (Houston, Texas)
1st August: George Castle (Worcester Cathedral)
5th September Barry Jordan (Magdeburger Dom)
3rd October: David Briggs (Boston, Massachesetts)

About the Society...

The Thomas Tomkins Society seeks to pursue interests of all kinds in the music and instruments of the English Renaissance and its context. We aim to encourage the performance and enjoyment of Tomkins' music (and the music of a range of other composers) at all levels - from beginner to advanced, amateur or professional. We clearly need a Society dedicated to giving him 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.