Bowerbird is pleased to present RE/CREATE, a program for six voices and six viols with Variant 6 & Sylvan Consort of Viols. The highlight of this program is a world premiere by Philadelphia composer, Kile Smith highlighting the unique sound world created by the combination of voices and viols. Smith’s new work entitled “Endless Morn of Light” features poetry of John Milton that explores ideas of timeless divinity and the power of music to elevate the soul. Paired with this new work is Orlando di Lasso’s Prophetiae Sibyllarum, a stunning and unconventional work that the two ensembles will present in different combinations of voices and viols.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Variant 6 explores the expressive potential of the human voice through vocal chamber music that is at once virtuosic, poignant, and approachable. Composed of artists with a diverse set of skills and a wide range of expertise, we seek out repertoire that embodies this potential. We collaborate with artists of many disciplines, creating refreshing interpretations of music of the past and innovative premieres of new works. Our concerts are unique and intimate musical experiences that foster deep conversation between artists and audience. Variant 6 shares our unique take on vocal chamber music with people all over the city of Philadelphia. Our approachable and collaborative projects create an environment where audiences of different backgrounds will feel inspired to attend our events, respond to our music, and get to know us as individuals.

The Sylvan Consort of Viols is composed of players from greater Philadelphia with members Sarah Cunningham, Donna Fournier, Gretchen Gettes, Margaret Humphrey, Rebecca Humphrey, Heather Miller Lardin, and Elena Smith. The name “Sylvan” not only reflects the area they call home but also the materials from which their beautiful instruments are constructed. The resonant sound of a viol has been said to “imitate the human voice in all its modulations, even in its most intimate nuances: that of grief and joy” (Harmonie Universelle, 1636). The consort regularly collaborates with vocalists and is excited to be collaborating with Variant 6 in this performance of early and new music.