During the day on Thursday 5th October, pupils from local schools experienced a fresh approach to early mediaeval music and took part in an interactive, educational show which provided an insight into Tudor music.

The evening concert was part of the Ipswich town celebration to mark 550 years since Thomas Wolsey was born. The audience enjoyed a wonderful mix of narrative, music and song. The biography of Wolsey's life was written and narrated by Richard Edgar-Wilson (OI 1974-83) and was woven with music played by the Hexachordia trio. The group played instruments not disimilar to those used at the Tudor Court including the gittern, vielle, crumhorn, lute, viol and the recorder. Some of the music and songs Hexachoridia performed included pieces written by Henry VIII himself.

The concert also featured Ipswich School’s Wolsey Consort singers who sang superbly, their repetoire included 'O Wilhelme Pastor Bone' by Taverner, 'Ah Robin' by William Cornish and 'Pastime with Good Company' attributed to Henry VIII.

The audience enjoyed what was an imersive experience and left the concert hall with a new respect for the musicians of the Tudor period and a greater understanding and knowledge of Thomas Wolsey.

The Festival of Music was made possible due to the generous support of its principal sponsor, Karl Daniels plus its concert sponsor, the Old Ipswichian Club.