News

Following the considerable success of Purcell Royal Odes - a 2021 Gramophone Awards finalist - TKC recently released another fine recording containing three more glorious Purcell odes, each written to celebrate the birthday of Purcell's great patron, Queen Mary. Featuring the same all-star cast of singers and instrumentalists, with sopranos Carolyn Sampson and Emily Owen, countertenors Iestyn Davies and Hugh Cutting, tenors Charles Daniels and David de Winter, basses Matthew Brook and Edward Grint joining an equally illustrious ensemble of instrumentalists, led by Kati Debretzeni and conducted by Robert King, the recording on our Vivat label (catalogue VIVAT 122) has received considerable acclaim.

“Stylish, affectionate performances … the instrumental colours are beautifully shaded … the singing is exemplary across the board … Bring on the next volume!”
(Gramophone)

“Full of joy and vivacity … the sheer exuberance of Purcell's writing is infectious”
(Classical Explorer)

"King's excellent team of eight singers ... stylish elegance, polish and wit ... testament to King's long performance experience and enduring love of Purcell's music"
(Limelight, Australia)

"Meesterlijk ... niet te missen"
(Stretto, Belgium)

“The casting is opulent … it feels unfair to single out any singer in particular; they’re all excellent … These are hugely entertaining and uplifting pieces. Instrumental accompaniments from The King's Consort are lively and colourful”
(The Arts Desk)

“Carolyn Sampson creates pearls from Purcell’s ornate contours … peerless musicianship from Iestyn Davies and Hugh Cutting … Edward Grint is marvellously heroic … exquisite playing”
(Opera Today)

“Performed in vividly engaging and stylish fashion”
(Planet Hugill)

We plan - and hope very much - to be back live in concert halls around Europe during 2022 (and 2023). Meanwhile, please enjoy our 100+ recordings which remain widely available. For our more recent recordings, visit www.vivatmusic.com