The Marian Consort Podcast
Our podcast takes you on a deep dive into all things TMC.
Meet the composers that write us extraordinary new works, academics that help us tell the stories behind the music, and singers that give you a glimpse of life on tour.
You can listen to our podcast below, or subscribe in the usual places.
Meet the Composer: Laura Cannell
Our Executive Director, James, talks to East Anglia-based musician and composer Laura Cannell about her new commission for The Marian Consort. We talk about Laura's love of folklore, what it was like writing for voices for the first time, and how ancient music has influenced her contemporary practice.
Meet the Composer: Laurence Osborn
Rory McCleery talks to British composer Laurence Osborn, ahead of 'Laurence Osborn Day' at Wigmore Hall on 25 November 2023, at which we'll give the world premiere of Spare Parts. Laurence talks about his childhood and route into composing, musical influences from hip hop to rock, collaborators, silliness in classical music, and Pokémon.
Meet the Composer: Electra Perivolaris
In this episode Rory McCleery talks to Scottish-Greek composer Electra Perivolaris. Next month we give the world premiere of our commission from Electra called 'A Winged Woman', which we'll also release on record later this year. Electra tells us about her time living on the Isle of Arran, her musical influences and big breaks with the BBC, and what inspired her in writing this new work.
Heinrich, Hans, and the Thirty Years War
Rory McCleery speaks to Peter H. Wilson, Professor of the History of War at Oxford University, and author of 'The Thirty Years War: Europe's Tragedy'. They discuss the origins of the war, and its impact on life, culture, and Heinrich Schütz, who wrote his Kleine geistliche Konzerte during this time of war, famine, and plague.
Performing death
This podcast looks at Heinrich Schütz's Musikalische Exequien, funeral music written for Heinrich 'Posthumous' of Reuss. Rory McCleery is joined by Dr Lesel Dawson (Bristol University/Good Grief Festival) to discuss 17th-century ideas about death and mourning, and what psychological as well as spiritual benefit there might be to planning your own funeral.
The first Black published composer?
This podcast looks at the story of Vicente Lusitano, possibly the first Black composer to have music published. Rory is joined by Dr Bonnie Blackburn to investigate his story, Josquin-mania, and bootlegged motets.
A lily among thorns
This podcast examines the cult of the Virgin Mary, and its manifestation in music. Rory is joined by Dame Marina Warner, and singers Lucy Cox and Sarah Anne Champion to talk about eroticism, tune smuggling, and convent composers.
What's next?
Rory introduces James Hardie, our General Manager, and discusses The Marian Consort's brand new digital season, and the trials of making music in the wake of Covid-19.
Man of Mystery
It’s time to talk about Jean Maillard, Renaissance Man of Mystery. Little beyond Maillard’s sublime music exists. Was he banished from France? Was he killed in a massacre? In this episode, Rory delves deep into the theories, and is also joined by Professor John Bryan of Huddersfield University, who gives a fascinating account of how music travelled across Europe back then: shipwrecks, travelling servants, and all.
Out of the Depths: music from Sebastianist Portugal
Whilst the people prayed for the return of a dead King, composers wrote their most heart-wrenching works lamenting loss of political power. Join us for this podcast looking at the music of Renaissance Portugal. Rory also talks to Charlotte Ashley (soprano) about the emotional toll of performing such powerful works of art.
Singing in Secret
Join us as we delve a little deeper into the world of clandestine Catholic celebrations of the Elizabethan era. Rory also talks about his favourite moments on the album, what goes into making a recording, and our future plans.