William Blake (1757-1827), Europe: A Prophecy (Lambeth: Printed by Will. Blake, 1794). Gift of Mrs. Landon K. Thorne, 1972. The Morgan Library & Museum, PML 77235.1. (photo by Janny Chiu) // Countertenor Cody Bowers (photo by Sheila Drakeley) // Composer Will Ayton (photo by Kieran Ayton)
Tea and Conversation with composer Will Ayton before the A RELIQUARY FOR WILLIAM BLAKE, presented by Parthenia Viol Consort.
WILL AYTON, the youngest of four children, was born in 1948 in Jingyuan, Kansu province, China, of missionary parents. He received a BME from Shenandoah Conservatory of Music, a MME from New England Conservatory of Music, and a DMA in Music Theory and Composition from Boston University. He currently lives with his wife, Nancy, in Providence, Rhode Island.
He has spent most of his professional years as a professor of music at Roger Williams University in Rhode Island, as well as directing and performing with various ensembles (viola da gamba) and stealing as much time as possible for composing.
Now that he is retired, he is spending more time composing, exploring the potential of his not-so-green thumb growing vegetables as well as feeding his squirrel and bird friends.
What do you expect from a conversation started with tea? Join us!
This event is by reservation only. Limited seats.
The viols and recorders of Parthenia will be joined by guest countertenor Cody Bowers in this performance of the music of American composer Will Ayton, featuring Ayton’s song cycle setting the prose and poetry of Blake. 40% off of the concert ticket at the door with the registration of this event. The concert starts at 7:30pm.
Photo by Wendy Steiner