The Picardy Players give a rare glimpse into life in Kyivan Rus’ in the Middle Ages, through music inspired by fascinating personal letters written on strips of birch bark that were unearthed in recent decades—stories of love, heartbreak and everyday life. Original compositions by James Batty draw inspiration from Slavic folk music experienced in Ukraine and Russia to tell these characters’ tales, and are enriched with elements of sight, smell, taste and touch. The programme is framed by two microtonal gems written 400 years apart by Nicola Vicentino and György Ligeti, and uses an otherworldly musical language from the Renaissance and period instruments to bridge the gap between the protagonists’ world and our own.
Audience feedback
“Absolutely enchanting and beautiful. Amazing to hear the recorder ‘bend’ around the tones, the soulful viola, the purity of the voices came through with clear emotions. Wonderful to hear the period instruments, the bass notes of the triple harp rang through wonderfully. A pleasure to listen to and experience.”
“The multisensory experience, coupled with the new air breathed into traditional instruments, thank you, thank you, thank you, they touched my heartstrings and resonated with me so much.”
Mariana Rodrigues soprano
Emma van der Scheer mezzo-soprano
Robert Folkes tenor
Allyn Wu baritone
Madison Marshall, Elizabeth van ’t Voort baroque viola
Lizzie Knatt recorders
Philip Turner lute
Bonnie Scott triple harp
James Batty harpsichord
Picardy Players 