Seventeenth century Venice was brimming with trade, political influence and culture. Levens Choir is delighted to be joined by  The English Cornett & Sackbut Ensemble, a virtuoso group who specialise in playing the music of this period on the instruments of the day.  They will bring to life the wonders of Claudio Monteverdi's compositions, along with those of his contemporaries, Giovanni Gabrieli and Antonio Grandi.

The performance will be conducted by the Ensemble's co-director and cornett soloist, Gawain Glenton. A former pupil of Carnforth High School, Gawain performs all over the world and records with many leading international groups and directors.  Among his several acclaimed CDs, "The Spy's Choirbook" won the 2015 Gramophone Award for Early Music.

He has recently been appointed as the Levens Choir's new Music Director and will take up his full responsibilities in April.