Gaspacho Andaluz

The Renaissance Players present their third concert series of 2014 with Gaspacho Andaluz, a colourful, mediaeval masterpiece directed by Winsome Evans (OAM).

This “afternoon delight” sees the Renaissance Players resplendent in mediaeval costume and they perform using authentic early instruments, such as the rebec, psaltery, and shawm, among many others. Known as Australia’s oldest early music group, the instrumentalists will also be accompanied by spirited vocals and poetry reading when they take to the stage of Sydney University’s Great Hall.

Multi-instrumentalist Llew Kiek began his musical career playing a Fender Stratocaster in rock bands but he says “in the Renaissance Players I play bozouki, a Greek Folk instrument; baglama, a Turkish folk instrument; acoustic guitar; oud,” Kiek also plays a variety of lutes.

“One of the things that interests me about the mediaeval period,” says Kiek, “is that this was an era of major development in music, especially polyphony, where composers were learning to harmonise and create textures.”

The ambience of the Great Hall lends itself perfectly to the period, complete with carved angels borrowed from Westminster Hall in London and the Renaissance Players promise and a vibrant and entertaining concert series. (AC)

Oct 4 & 5, Great Hall, Sydney University, Science Rd, Camperdown, $15-36, trybooking.com

BY ADRIENNE CHILCOTT