Norfolk concert pays homage to famous composer

Kate ScotterA new musical ensemble named after one of the most prolific and versatile composers of his generation will give its first public concert in Norwich this month.Kate Scotter

A new musical ensemble named after one of the most prolific and versatile composers of his generation will give its first public concert in Norwich this month.

The Morley Consort of Voices is named after Thomas Morley, who was born in Norwich in 1557 and served as Master of the Choristers at Norwich Cathedral before he moved to London, soon becoming a Gentleman of the Chapel Royal.

Morley was one of the most prolific and versatile composers of his generation, exerting a powerful influence on his contemporaries and so shaping the course of English music during its golden age in the years around the turn of the 17th century.

The ensemble's six singers are all members of the University of East Anglia, as is their musical director Emeritus Professor Peter Aston, who was head of music at UEA from 1974 to 1998 and is acclaimed internationally as a composer and conductor.

The consort will perform at the Assembly House, Norwich, on Friday April 23, as part of the UEA Music at One series of lunchtime concerts.

The concert will start at 1pm and will last for about 40 minutes. Admission is �4 on the door.