Daniel Goode – readings
Sophie Yates – virginals

Sophie Yates and Daniel Goode present a programme of words and virginals music, contrasting two ages of cultural richness in England and the journey between them. Starting with Shakespeare in the Elizabethan age, we hear sonnets and readings from plays, alongside Byrd’s settings of songs such as O Mistress Mine and Fortune my Foe. During the Restoration period, the concluding year of which saw the publication of the Fourth Folio, resurgence of interest in Shakespeare formed a strong part of the newly flourishing theatrical scene. Music by Locke, Blow and Purcell will be accompanied by readings from restoration writers Aphra Behn and Congreve as well as Shakespeare, re-imagined for this new, optimistic age.

Daniel Goode has worked in classical and modern theatre including for the RSC and English Touring Theatre. He is a regular contributor for BBC Radio 3 and BBC 4 and has played roles as varied as Robert Schumann, Falstaff, Mr. Toad and an ugly sister.

Sophie Yates has performed on most of the playable virginals surviving in Britain. In 2014 BBC Radio 3 recorded Sophie’s concert at Hatchlands, broadcast on The Early Music Show, to mark Rameau’s 350th anniversary. Sophie has recently presented several editions of this programme, exploring the work of different composers.