Palisander

Described as ‘Early Music’s very own Spice Girls’, the vibrant recorder quartet Palisander will present its ‘Double, Double, Toil & Trouble’ programme.

They are Tabea Debus, Caoimhe de Paor, Miriam Monaghan and Lydia Gosnell.

The intrinsic links between music and magic have been recognised throughout time, with Plato, Galileo & Pythagoras all writing on this subject. Palisander present music reflecting the Renaissance concept of the Three Magics; songs used to spread word of witchcraft; melodies sent through dreams by supernatural beings; new compositions inspired by the ancient concept of Music and the Spheres and music inspired by humanity’s fascination with the mystical and magical.

Composers include: J.S. Bach, Tartini, Sweelinck, Hildegard von Bingen and new commissions based on historical mathematical calculations.

Palisander is known for presenting imaginative, historical programmes with a wide range of repertoire, performed largely from memory, on recorders up to 6 feet tall. Comprised of alumni from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Palisander has quickly established itself as a vibrant young ensemble. Devising their own choreography, as well as writing new compositions and unique arrangements for the ensemble, the group’s members are keen ambassadors for the recorder’s versatility. This is brought to life in the exciting theatrical concerts, for which Palisander is known.

Palisander has won numerous accolades including selection for the St John’s Smith Square’s Young Artists’ Scheme in 2016 and for the prestigious Emerging European Ensembles’ Scheme in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Winners of the 2018 London International Exhibition of Early Music’s inaugural chamber music competition, Palisander competed as finalists in the prestigious Royal Over-Seas League Mixed Ensembles’ Competition 2019 and was awarded a Golden Medal in the Manhattan International Music Competition 2019.

The ensemble’s debut album, Beware the Spider! was self-released in 2017 and received a 4 star review from BBC Music Magazine, as well as being voted First Place in the Magazine’s First Listen Podcast. The ensemble has featured on radio, including BBC Radio 3.

Here they are with Bach, Dowland and Holborne.