The Tudor Consort

The Tudor Consort performs in Messiah.

The Tudor Consort is a specialist early choral group based in Wellington, New Zealand, made up of the region's finest choral singers. The group was formed in 1986 by Simon Ravens with the intention of performing lesser-known choral music from the late Medieval and Renaissance periods, laying special emphasis on English sixteenth century music.

Authentic performance practice is a major aim of The Tudor Consort, with consideration of ensemble size, pronunciation, pitch, vocal style and ornamentation featuring strongly in the group's work. Under Simon Ravens the group often performed original editions, and pioneered the use of liturgical reconstruction as a method of presenting early sacred music.

Succeeding directors substantially developed both the repertoire and audience base of The Tudor Consort. Peter Walls directed performances from the early baroque through to Mozart orchestral masses. Alastair Carey led the choir to international acclaim, claiming silver and bronze awards at the prestigious 35th International Choral Competition in Tolosa, Spain in 2003, and again in 2005.

Michael Stewart became Music Director in 2008, bringing his passion for 20th-century choral music as well as exploring the works of the early Tudor composers. Highlights include critically acclaimed performances of Handel's Messiah and Israel in Egypt, JS Bach's Christmas Oratorio, and Haydn's Nelson Mass.

As a result of this continuing evolution The Tudor Consort continues to be admired both locally and nationally as one of New Zealand's finest and most innovative early choral ensembles.