Sagbutts and cornets come to Cambridge

Exotic and wonderful sounds come to Cambridge next week as Girton and St John's colleges host one of the world's best historical brass ensembles. The two performances of Claudio Monteverdi's Vespers celebrate the 400th anniversary of this spectacular 17th century composition. The Vespers, published in Venice in 1610, feature sagbutts and cornets - the ancestors of modern trombones and trumpets - as well as baroque fiddles, violas, cellos, recorders, organs and harpsichords, plus a full choir and soloists. "We've been lucky enough to attract one of the world's most renowned historical brass ensembles, the wonderfully titled 'His Majestys Sagbutts and Cornetts' and the distinguished baroque violinist Margaret Faultless, who has led orchestras throughout the world; and our choir is drawn from the very best singers in the University. "I think the combination of professional expertise and the talent and energy of our singers is going to make for thrilling performances of this extraordinarily powerful music." As part of the project, schoolchildren from Girton village will be getting up close and personal with the performers during a visit to the dress rehearsal, when they will also be able to try out their own voices in an interactive singing workshop. Tickets (£10/4 at Girton; £12/5 at St John's) are available from the ADC Box Office, tel: 01223 300085, www.adcticketing.com and from Girton College Development Office, tel: 01223 766672, email: development [a] girton.cam.ac (p) uk.