By Mike Clemens

Brighton Consort, directed by renowned singer and conductor Greg Skidmore, will be returning to Hurstpierpoint in January with their latest programme of early choral music entitled “Double or Nothing – Renaissance music for double choir.” Among the many fascinating innovations in choral composition that took place during the 16th and 17th centuries, one of the most striking was the development of music written for two separate choirs. Many skilled composers of the period wrote musical lines for two groups of singers that swirl and interweave in quite complex ways, but at times come together to act like blocks or pillars. In their concert, Brighton Consort will present music by Allegri, Palestrina, Victoria, Monteverdi and others - all written in this compelling way for at least eight separate voice parts. The performance of this fascinating music will take place on Saturday 27th January at 3.00pm in Holy Trinity Church, Hurstpierpoint. Tickets (£12, concessions £6, under 12s free) and can be purchased online via the Brighton Consort website (https://www.brightonconsort.org.uk/), by ringing 01273 833746 or on the door.