2024 is the 350th anniversary of the death of the great English lutenist and song composer: John Wilson of Faversham (1595 – 1674) .
There will be a celebration of his life at 7pm on Saturday 25 May 2024 in St Mary’s Church, Faversham
Wilson was born in Abbey Street in 1595 very close to Faversham church and was likely a chorister here in the early seventeenth century.
He was in London by 1614 and became principal composer for the King's Men. Wilson knew Shakespeare—the Oxford Shakespeare attributes the play, Arden of Faversham, in part to the playwright. Wilson set many of the bard’s stage songs to music, along with those of his successor John Fletcher.
Wilson entered the King's Musick in 1635 as a lutenist. He received the Oxford degree of D. Mus. in 1644, and he was made Professor of Music there from 1656-61.
Following The Restoration, Wilson joined the Chapel Royal in 1662. He died at Westminster in 1674 and is buried in the Abbey, reflecting contemporary acknowledgement of the affection in which he was held. (John Wilson Dr.in Musick here interr'd February ye 22 1673 aged 78 yeares 10 months and 17 dayes)
Wilson’s very English music appeals to a remarkably wide range of music lovers. He could compose a good straightforward tune, with the common touch, indeed some of his songs may be mistaken for genuine ballads. In a more sophisticated vein he could also handle the court masque style.
Concert performed by Galliarda, with a programme devised and introduced by Dr Matthew Spring, and performed with voices, viol, lute and recorder. The concert brings to together Wilson’s songs and vocal works from all periods of his life, many from the stage and masque productions in which he appeared. Galliarda will also perform works pieces by Wilson’s close friends and associates, Robert Johnson, Nicholas Lanier, Henry Lawes, John Jenkins and Matthew Locke.
Tickets cost £10 (plus booking fee) = please click here to book via Ticketsource
Tickets cost £10 (plus booking fee) = please click here to book via Ticketsource
Address
Concert performance by Galliarda at St Mary of Charity, Faversham
St Mary of Charity, Church Rd, Faversham, Kent
ME13 8GZ
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