Alvin M. Keeling 
Upcoming concerts by the LEVENS choir will take us to the 17th century Republic of Venice – “La Serenissima” – a proud city-state that showcases its political and economic dominance through the glories of its art and music.
Arriving on the scene in 1613 to take charge of music at St. Mark’s Basilica, was a composer now considered one of the most important figures in the development of Western classical music: Claudio Monteverdi.
Its sound universe is composed of rhythmically complex choral writing and virtuoso solo interludes, as well as episodes of harmonic serenity of absolute beauty. It’s original, exciting and opens the way to Bach’s cantatas as well as Mozart’s operas.
These will be the first concerts of the always excellent Levens Choir under the direction of their new conductor, Gawain Glenton. Locally raised, Gawain is a sought-after music director, conductor and coach in the UK and overseas.
He is also an internationally renowned cornetto player and has performed and recorded with many illustrious vocal and instrumental groups. He co-directs the Gramophone Award-winning English Ensemble Cornett & Sackbut, whose musicians will collaborate with the choir to perform this wonderful music.
‘The Glories of Venice’, a concert of music by Monteverdi and his contemporaries, can be heard on April 9 at Lancaster Priory or April 10 at St George’s Church, Kendal, both at 7.30pm.
Tickets – £15 for adults, free for students and under-18s – are available online. Click on the homepage under “Upcoming Events” for a link to the concert you would like to attend.
