A pleasingly mellifluous sound
"The first words in the programme for this concert reminded us that music, or references to music, appear in all but one of Shakespeare’s plays and that there are some truly beautiful speeches about the power and effect it has. The performers then proceeded to prove this in a programme that delighted the audience with both its content and delivery. As always, with the Lachrimae Consort everything was very well researched. Mike Ashley, who devised the programme, provided the informative narrative, and Richard Ollier read the excerpts from the plays. The six members of the Lachrimae Consort play with impressive unanimity and produce a pleasingly mellifluous sound."
Programme of 'Shakespeare's Music', review in The Leicester Mercury, June 2009
A Tudor treat
"Coventry has played host to many major music acts over the years, The Beatles, The Stones, Elton John and Jimi Hendrix. All big names of course, but back in 1599, Tudor Coventry saw the arrival of the supreme musician of the day, the legendary John Dowland. It’s now been revealed that he actually came to Coventry to perform at Caludon Castle (and I’m not talking about the school). Dowland entertained the Berkeley family with his consort in the Great Hall on 24 January 1599.
To mark this occasion, a very special concert was held at St Mary’s church, Walsgrave Coventry on 30 March 2007, this being the closest venue to the ruined castle that still held plenty of historic ambience. Mike Ashley, the man who has pieced this fascinating story together, himself a fine lutenist, performed with The Lachrimae Consort, a six-piece group specialising in early music.
Despite the innate sadness of many of the songs, the night was a joyous affair, and it is a testament to Mike and The Lachrimae Consort, that the church was packed. I find the fact that so many people wanted to hear this music of another age somewhat refreshing, it could be argued that Dowland has been popularised of late by Sting and his Songs From The Labyrinth album last year. I didn’t get that tonight; I saw a crowd of people, some more than happy to try something a little different and a little less obvious."
Pete Chambers, review on the BBC Coventry & Warwickshire website, April 2007
A pleasing symmetry
"There was a pleasing symmetry to this year’s Early Music Festival in that the Lachrimae Consort gave both the opening and closing concerts. This Midlands-based group invariably offer attractive, well-researched programmes and 'Who Sent Dowland to Coventry' was one of their best."
Review in The Leicester Mercury, June 2007
