A 21st-century Lute Song Book: Crafting the Toronto Book of Ayres

Duo Oriana’s latest endeavour, the Toronto Book of Ayres, sets four texts commissioned from contemporary poets Martin Gomes and Melissa Davidson to music by lutenist Jonathan Stuchbery. Together, these four songs form the beginning of a 21st-century collection of music for lute and voice. In this lecture recital, Duo Oriana will dive into the reasoning, process, and experience of using a historical arrangement of instruments as a vessel for words from today. The singer and lutenist engage with composers of the Renaissance and early Baroque periods whose music is featured alongside the Book of Ayres, often choosing texts that directly relate to the issues and personalities of their day. This new set of songs asks how we, as present-day artists, share in these traditions and ideas, why we choose to tell stories, and what drives us to share those stories through the medium of (early) music.

This event is open to the general public and does not require registration (but please note that our seating is limited). Co-organized with Early Music Vancouver. 

Soprano Sinéad White and lutenist Jonathan Stuchbery form Duo Oriana, a Toronto-based duo breathing life into song traditions that span centuries and evolve in the present day. Noted for their “impeccable rhythmic ensemble” (La Scena Musicale), White’s “luminous” soprano, and Stuchbery’s “energizing precision” (The Whole Note), they have quickly established their presence in the early music world. They have presented across Canada, including for Early Music America, and Musique Royale. Their album How Like a Golden Dream was Duo Oriana’s first release with the Canadian label Leaf Music, which was highlighted on the Whole Note magazine’s Listening Room, and received highly positive reviews in La Scena Musicale, the Lute Society Quarterly, and the American Record Guide. In 2023 they toured across the UK and Ireland, performing for the Lute Society and in venues including Windsor Castle, and Oxford University.