Jacobean Genius: Orlando Gibbons and his Legacy The concert showcases the leading composer of the early-Stuart period at the 400th anniversary of his death, along with works by his contemporaries, and present-day composers he has inspired. City Chamber Choir, led by conductor Stephen Jones, will perform with period instrument group Orlando Camerata, playing Baroque viols. Gibbons rose to stardom at the Chapel Royal of James I, which he joined aged 20. A keyboard virtuoso, he became organist and de facto master of the Kings music at Westminster Abbey in 1623. And he contributed to the first volume of English keyboard music ever published, Parthenia. His rich, polyphonic style led him to be dubbed the English Palestrina before Englands descent into Civil War and Puritanism. After the Restoration his influence continued, imprinted in the works of Henry Purcell. Music-making has always been woven into the life of the City of London, from the musical cries of street traders on Cheapside, to figures such as George Frederick Handel, who would lock himself in St Pauls Cathedral at night to play the organ. Gibbons himself is famous for The Cryes of London, which overlays the sound of viols with the cries of street traders. City Chamber Choir, now in its 38th year, specialises in the English choral tradition, and Jacobean Genius will take us back to the unique sound world of Gibbons, and forward to his influence today. Interval drinks will be served in the beautiful secluded courtyard of St Vedast, Foster Lane. Walking Tour and Concert: On July 8, the Friends of the City Churches teams up with the City Chamber Choir for a walking tour followed by concert at St Vedast-alias-Foster on Foster Lane.