Drawing out the connections between medieval and modern English music, this thrilling concert presents Vaughan Williams’ much-loved Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis, a fascinating, beautiful and little-known ‘music of the spheres’ by William Byrd contemporary ‘Mr Picforth’ (his only extant work), and Jeremy Thurlow’s new Cello Concerto Four places of the soul. Exploring contemporary experience through the lens of medieval philosophy, this is a piece about solitude, and company: their joys and benefits and also their dangers and delusions, and how they can help us to know and shape our sense of self.  

The Creation Ensemble brings together players from the acclaimed Smith Square Sinfonia and outstanding students from Cambridge University, conducted by Francis Bushell, Robinson alumnus and former BBC Young Musician finalist.  

The cello soloist is Joely Koos, renowned for her solo and chamber music performances, principal with the English Symphony Orchestra, co-principal with the City of London Sinfonia and the London Chamber Orchestra, and a regular guest principal with the BBC Philharmonic, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Bournemouth Symphony.

Sunday 22 March 2026, 5.30pm, Robinson College Chapel (finishes c. 6.30pm) 
Booking advised, from Cambridge Festival website - tickets are free.