Christian IV (1577-1648), Denmark’s longest reigning monarch, was an ardent patron of culture - particularly that of architecture and music. His court drew Europe’s most prominent musicians, resulting in an extraordinary period of musical flourishing in Copenhagen. Three Irish harpists resided at the infamous king’s court, alongside German, Polish, Dutch, and British musicians who taught his children and provided entertainment for the Royal Household.

Sestina Music presents an illustrious programme of music that celebrates Denmark’s complex and contradictory king. With works from popular composers such as court lutenist John Dowland, the programme also marks the 400th anniversary of the death of lesser-known Danish composer Mogens Pedersøn. Renowned historical harpist Dr Siobhán Armstrong joins the ensemble to introduce audiences to the music of her instrumental predecessors at court, Darby Scott and Charles O’Reilly. Explorations of Melchior Borchgrevinck’s Giardino Novo collection (which includes madrigals from Claudio Monteverdi and Giaches de Wert) will also appear alongside the works of Hans Nielsen and the spy/soldier/gambist Tobias Hume.

For an evening of sonorous music not to be missed, join Sestina Music and its small ensemble of five singers, lute, harp and viola da gamba this Autumn in Ards, Magherafelt or Armagh. Explore the music of Denmark, Italy, Ireland, England and Scotland and the King who became portrayed as a symbol of Danishness, for better or for worse.

Ensemble: Siobhán Armstrong-harp, Sarah Groser-Gamba, Toby Carr-Lute, Sarah Keating-Soprano, Francesco Giusti-Countertenor, Christopher Bowen and Max O'Neill-Tenor, Henry Saywell-Bass

Musical director - Mark Chambers