A CRITICALLY acclaimed early music ensemble will present its new programme in a relaxing two-show concert.

The Telling is set for The Red Lion pub in Manningtree and will unveil its concert, The Telling Unchained.

It will begin with a set of traditional songs about May before transitioning to an informal and unrehearsed ‘jamming’ session of mixed repertoire ranging from unknown medieval gems to traditional, folk favourites and audience requests.

Clare Norburn, artistic director of The Telling, said: “This is a slightly terrifying concert for us musicians, not for the audience, as we try to give people a sense of how we plan.

“We will also show attendees how we rehearse and put together medieval music from what is often a single line melody into an arrangement to take it off the page.”

The Telling Unchained concept was created to offer the audience a behind-the-scenes view of arranging medieval and traditional repertoire for multi-instrumental ensembles.

It hopes to clear up the decision-making process when creating concert programmes of this repertoire.

Clare added: “With medieval music, we get a lot more artistic licence and decision-making than with later repertoires.”

The concert is set for Thursday, May 25 from 7.30pm to 9.10pm, for tickets visit bit.ly/3KNaqzl.