Countertenor Joe Levy, accompanied on the piano by conductor Konstantinos Terzakis, will perform Renaissance and Baroque music in a series of concerts in some of Devon and Somerset’s most beautiful and interesting historic buildings.
“Cast A Sheep’s Eye”, meaning to bestow an amorous sideways glance, is a programme of 16th and 17th century love songs including works by Purcell, Dowland and Morley as well as others that are rarely performed but nevertheless treasured.
The performances will also explore how the songs and their composers reflected the world in which they were created.
Joe Levy
Joe Levy often weaves history and storytelling into his performances, offering audiences insight into the atmosphere surrounding each piece of music.
He has a passion for Baroque and early music, performing Purcell and Handel alongside Mediaeval hymns in Middle English and 17th century folk songs.
Joe Levy said: “So many people will be able to connect to the songs we’re performing. Love songs carry universal themes that people have related to throughout history.
“They also tell us so much about the people who sung and listened to them. We’re excited to give audiences the chance to experience this fascinating period of history through music.”
Konstantinos Terzakis
Konstantinos Terzakis was recently appointed Assistant Conductor of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (2022-23 season) and selected conductor at the Klangspuren Festival 2021 (Austria) under the Internationale Ensemble Modern Akademie.
He completed his Master’s of Music in orchestral conducting with Martyn Brabbins, Garry Walker and Alasdair Mitchell having been awarded a full scholarship by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Other collaborations include the Ergon Ensemble, Red Note ensemble and TETTTIX.
The Cast A Sheep’s Eye concert series begins in The Hall, a restored Grade II* listed Victorian Sunday School on Stepcote Hill, and continues to St Nicholas’ Priory, Exeter’s oldest building, as part of Exeter Dream Festival, a ten-week programme of events celebrating Cygnet Theatre’s 40th anniversary.
Other historic performance venues include St Lawrence Chapel at Ashburton and St Mary Magdalene minster church in Taunton.
Cast A Sheep’s Eye dates and venues:
- Friday 27 May 2022 - The Hall, Stepcote Hill
- Wednesday 1 June 2022 - Cygnet Theatre
- Thursday 9 & Friday 10 June 2022 - St Nicholas Priory
- Friday 24 June 2022 - The Shambles, Castle Cary
- 3pm Sunday 24 July 2022 - St Lawrence Chapel, Ashburton
- Saturday 30 July 2022 - St Mary Magdalene, Taunton
All performances begin at 7.30pm except where noted.
Visit Joe Levy’s website for more information and to book tickets.
