Performance of rare musical works

A rare opportunity to hear sacred and secular works by the 16th century Scottish composer Robert Johnson is coming to Glasgow on Wednesday, 4 April.

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) Voices will perform works by Johnson, taken from the forthcoming Musica Scotica edition produced by Dr Elaine Moohan of The Open University in Scotland. 

They will be accompanied by Martin Eastman on lute and conducted by Timothy Dean.

Senior Lecturer in Music Dr Moohan (pictured right) will give a talk, 'Who was Robert Johnson: An introduction to his music' at 6.30pm, prior to the concert starting at 7.30pm.

Johnson, a priest from the Scottish Borders, composed both sacred works - some in Latin and others in English - as well as secular pieces such as ‘Defyled is my name’, which it is said Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII of England, wrote the words for.

According to an historical text, Johnson fled to England after being accused of heresy. It is believed he lived until 1560 – the year of the Reformation in Scotland.

Tickets priced £10 / £5 students are available in advance from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland box office in person, and online, as well as at the door on the night.

More information on Dr Moohan's Johnson research