Conceptus
Conceptus is an international, multi-faceted and multi-disciplinary ensemble with a membership drawn from the United Kingdom, Poland and Australia. Formed in 2021 during the Coronavirus Pandemic, the ensemble is dedicated to bringing new life to great works of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and beyond, with a particular emphasis on Late Romantic British vocal music and song cycles. Their debut album, “Gods, Ghosts and Monsters” was released by Divine Art Records in May 2024 and features music by Butterworth, Warlock, Holst, Collins and Bridge.
Conceptus has a close relationship with Australian composer Timothy Collins and has recorded his arrangements and compositions extensively. His “Sea Song”, set to the poetry of New Zealand author and poet Katharine Mansfield, also features in the debut album, and has been made into a film directed by James Cardell-Oliver. Tim has also composed the “Rilke Lieder” for the group, a cycle set to poetry by Austrian poet and writer Rainer Maria Rilke.
Conceptus has also commissioned works by German composer Christoph Ritter, whose Requiem is set for a world premiere and recording in 2025.
For more details please visit the Conceptus website
Latest Recording
Gods, Ghosts and Monsters
Release date: 17th May 2024
Label: Divine Art Records
Conceptus' debut album features music for tenor and piano trio by Butterworth, Warlock, Holst and Bridge, in addition to Timothy Collins' Sea Song.
Sea Song – Timothy Collins
Composed in 2018 and set to the poetry of Katherine Mansfield, this evocative piece delves into themes of ageing, sorrow, and loss. Conceptus has brought Collins’ musical narrative to life with an accompanying 10-minute music film available on Apple Music and YouTube.
Six Songs from a Shropshire Lad – George Butterworth
Delving into themes of nostalgia and the tragedy of lost youth, this collection, originally composed in 1911, captures the essence of Alfred Edward Housman’s timeless poetry. Collins’ arrangements embellish the poignant resonance of Butterworth’s work, forever etched in the annals of English song.
The Curlew – Peter Warlock
Peter Warlock’s masterwork, “The Curlew,” meticulously arranged for Conceptus by Timothy Collins. Woven from the poetry of William Butler Yeats, this haunting composition, originally scored for string quartet, cor anglais, and flute, delves into macabre imagery and desolate landscapes.
Hymns from the Rig Veda Opus 24 – Gustav Holst
“Hymns from the Rig Veda,” is transfigured by Conceptus with these arrangements from Timothy Collins. Drawing inspiration from ancient Sanskrit texts dating back to 1500 BCE, Holst’s solo vocal triumph offers a reverent exploration of Hindu philosophical thought. Experience the profound resonance of Holst’s sacred compositions as Conceptus breathes new life into these timeless hymns.
Three Songs by Frank Bridge
From the reflective tones of “Come To Me In My Dreams” to the mythological allure of “Love Went A-Riding,” Conceptus navigates the emotional depths of Bridge’s compositions with grace and finesse.
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