For my latest project, with support from the Continuo Foundation (https://www.continuofoundation.co.uk/twelfth-round-grantees/chelys-consort-of-viols) I'm writing a new piece for the Chelys Consort of Viols who will also air their new album Les Ages du Monde (https://www.chelysconsort.co.uk/les-ages-du-monde.html) including music by well-known composers such as Jean-Baptiste Lully (1632-1687) and Marc-Antoine Charpentier (1643-1704). Please see also: https://open.spotify.com/album/1HwNfJaT9KcRF9IvkncQYs?si=r9K14OfFRf6NZhKgIKocZQ

 

The new work I am writing for them is inspired by their album and is also for the same combination of players - five viols and theorbo (six players in total). For context, the viol is a fretted bowed stringed instrument with six or sometimes even seven strings – unlike the violin family instruments which all have four strings. Its lightweight construction, fretted fingerboard and tuning give the viol a unique resonance that was much admired in the 16th and 17th century. The theorbo is a form of bass lute often played alongside viols in this period. The viol family has recently enjoyed a resurgence and is played professionally by groups such as Fretwork, Phantasm and the Rose Consort of Viols. Writing for viols and experiencing the live performance will be an exciting and important career shift for me, although something I have wanted to do for almost thirty years.

 

We would expect to hear the outcome of our application in September. For my application I'm required to provide some evidence of event planning. If successful, the funding would contribute towards my commission fee, performer fees and logistics. Thanks to support from the Continuo Foundation and generous private funding so far we are able to confirm the following dates:

• Saturday 20th February 2027 at 11am (coffee & cake from 10:15) at St Mary’s Church Coffee & Cake Concerts in Chartham village

• Saturday 9th October 2027 at 7:30pm at Tonbridge Music Club

 

Provisional dates are confirmed with the National Centre for Early Music - Beverley (Sunday 23rd May 2027), Tonbridge Music Club (Saturday 9th October 2027) and Cross Street Chapel, Manchester (Friday 27th October 2028 at 1pm). We are also in early discussions with the University of Kent, Deal Festival, King Charles The Martyr, Stour Festival, Folkestone Early Music, and with Music @ Malling. All of these festivals have expressed their interest in our proposal.

 

I am also applying to established trusts including the Arts Council, Vaughan Williams Foundation, PRS Foundation and many private sponsors. Early responses so far have been encouraging and are now sufficient to cover at least four concerts in 2027. We are now keen to secure a 5th concert in addition to those listed in the application to make the most of our preparation and rehearsals. If you might consider becoming a sponsor and would like to donate, please either use the link:

 

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/matthew-brown-composer

 

Suggested contributions:

£10 – £15 – £20 – £25 – £50 – £75 – £100 – other

 

Thank you very much for reading and thank you in advance for any sponsorship you might be able to offer. I hope you will be able to come to hear my new composition being performed by this talented group of interesting professional musicians.