'His Majestys Sagbutts & Cornetts', the pioneering British historic brass ensemble, will celebrate its 35th anniversary later this month.

Special concert

Founded in 1982, it will mark the occasion with a special concert at St John's Smith Square in London, featuring the globally acclaimed tenor Charles Daniels, baritone Ben Davies and concert organist William Whitehead in a programme showcasing early 17th-century Italian music by Giovanni Gabrieli, Giovanni Battista Grillo, Gioseffo Guami and Giovanni Picchi.

Over the past three and half decades the ensemble, consisting of many of the UK's premier virtuoso cornett and sackbut players has performed in more than 30 countries — from Scotland to Australia via Greece, Israel and Taiwan to name but a few, bringing their wonderful appreciation of Renaissance and Baroque music to an ever increasing audience of fans.

Unique celebration

Founder member Jeremy West told 4BR: "We offer fabulous sonority coupled to great variety, plus a unique celebration of the group's 35 year history.

From the inside, 'His Majestys' feels rather like a club with very restricted membership — not always comfortable or cosy but ever supportive, close, challenging and rewarding. We are very excited to have reached 35 years of age and never in better shape."

Over the past three and half decades the ensemble, consisting of many of the UK's premier virtuoso cornett and sackbut players has performed in more than 30 countries4BR

Concert information:

The St John's Smith Square webpage of the event contains additional information about the concert on Friday 27th October: https://www.sjss.org.uk/events/lions-st-mark-his-majestys-sagbutts-cornetts