‘The Marais Project presents a selection of some of the finest English songs live and on Australian Digital Concert Hall’

Before The Beatles transformed English song writing in the 1960s there was John Dowland. Despite dying almost 400 years ago, Dowland (1563–1626) is still celebrated as an extraordinary song composer and lutenist. His moving explorations of love and melancholy have continued to entrance audiences and musicians alike. More recent evidence of this this ongoing infatuation includes rock artist Sting’s 2006 album Songs from the Labyrinth, a release that stimulated renewed interest in Dowland, the unlikely Elizabethan-era pop star.

Performances of these songs are rare in Sydney as the music makes great interpretative demands on the singer and requires an equally talented lutenist to bring Dowland’s sophisticated accompaniments to life. The bass viol is also frequently used to accompany music of this period.

The Marais Project is proud to once again offer music lovers the opportunity to hear these songs live. ‘Koen van Stade, Tommie Andersson and I have worked together several times in the past,’ commented Marais Project founder, Jennifer Eriksson, ‘We have such an affinity with each other, and with Dowland.’

Dutch born tenor, van Stade, has worked with Collegium Vocale Gent and The Amsterdam Baroque Choir. With these groups he recorded over 70 CDs, of which several were awarded international prizes. With the Gesualdo Consort Amsterdam he participated in the premiere recording of the complete works of Dutch composer Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck. He recently completed a PhD at the University of Sydney, where he holds a position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Historical Performance Faculty.

On the program is a selection of songs from A Pilgrime’s Solace (Dowland’s fourth collection) as well as John Danyel’s (1564 – 1626) funeral tears.

The performance takes place in the intimate surroundings of Choirs Rehearsal Studio at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, Wharf 4/5, 15 Hickson Rd Dawes Point NSW 2000 (The Choirs Rehearsal Studio can be found behind the STC Box Office in the breezeway opposite the Sydney Dance Company)

Artists: Koen van Stade, tenor; Tommie Andersson, lute; Jenny Eriksson, viola da gamba

The Marais Project performs ‘A Pilgrime’s Solace’ at the Choirs Rehearsal Studio & ADCH

 4pm Saturday December 3, 2022 Tickets $24 https://www.australiandigitalconcerthall.com/#/item/100445

 3pm Sunday December 4, 2022 | Tickets $45/30 children & students $20

Bookings:  https://events.humanitix.com/the-marais-project-or-a-pilgrime-s-solace