Various Composers - Wishing Tree (The Gesualdo Six)

Information

1. William Byrd - This Sweet and Merry Month of May
2. David Bednall - Put Out Into the Deep
3. Ralph Vaughan Williams - Bushes and Briars
4. Alison Willis - The Wind's Warning
5. Joby Talbot - The Wishing Tree
6. Traditional - The Oak and the Ash (arr. Langford)
7. Anna Semple - My Bonny Lies (arr. Park)
8. Josquin des Prez - El grillo
9. Christen Holmes - Summer Shower
10. Traditional - The Lark in the Clear Air (arr. Whitbourn)
11. Jacques Arcadelt - Il bianco e dolce cigno
12. Orlando Gibbons - The Silver Swan
13. Charles Villiers Stanford - The Blue Bird, Op. 119 No. 3
14. Owain Park - Fantasia on English Children's Songs
15. Francis Poulenc - Petites voix, FP 83: No. 1, La petite fille sage
16. Francis Poulenc - Petites voix, FP 83: No. 2, Le chien perdu
17. Francis Poulenc - Petites voix, FP 83: No. 3, En rentrant de l'école
18. Francis Poulenc - Petites voix, FP 83: No. 4, Le petit garçon malade
19. Francis Poulenc - Petites voix, FP 83: No. 5, Le hérisson
20. Traditional - My Love Is Like a Red, Red Rose (arr. Carrington)

The Gesualdo Six

    Guy James, countertenor

    Alasdair Austin, countertenor

    Joseph Wicks, tenor

    Josh Cooter, tenor

    Simon Grant, baritone

    Michael Craddock, baritone

    Owain Park, bass

Date: 2026

Label: Hyperion Records

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On Wishing Tree, their eleventh album for Hyperion, vocal ensemble The Gesualdo Six explore a secular repertoire rooted in music performed live since their 2015 inception. Directed by Owain Park, the program traverses themes of childhood, love, and nature by juxtaposing Renaissance masterpieces with contemporary settings of texts by Christina Rossetti and Kathleen Jamie. The collection further incorporates imaginative, new arrangements of traditional British and Irish folk songs. This release highlights the ensemble’s dual commitment to historical tradition and modern innovation, a creative vision they actively champion through extensive international touring, digital engagement, and new commissions.

The Gesualdo Six is an acclaimed British vocal ensemble directed by Owain Park, known for its refined blend and inventive programming. Formed in 2014 for a performance of Gesualdo’s Tenebrae Responsories, the group has since performed globally, with highlights including Wigmore Hall, Sydney Opera House, and a 2023 BBC Proms debut. Recent tours took them to South America, Asia, and the U.S. They are active in education, hosting workshops and composition competitions, and have commissioned works by emerging composers. Their recordings on Hyperion have received critical praise, and their engaging social media presence brings classical music to a broad audience.