The Musicall Compass was formed by its director Crispin Lewis to perform baroque and renaissance music for voices and instruments.
The ensemble has often collaborated with contemporary dancers, actors and writers, with the aim of presenting ancient works in new and unexpected contexts.
The Musicall Compass has performed a large repertoire of baroque cantatas, oratorios and operas, as well as contemporary opera.
The ensemble has performed on many occasions at Wigmore Hall; at the Royal Opera House Linbury Studio Theatre; in several live broadcasts on BBC Radio 3; at the Purcell Room; St John's, Smith Square; as well as at St James's, Piccadilly; St-Martin-in-the-Fields and at many other well-known venues.
'Their light touch and airy élan certainly showcased the sparkle in Purcell's music, right from the first notes of the evening's curtain-raiser. Trumpeters were fearless... Down in the continuo division, cello sang out, finger perfect, always eloquent. “
(The Times, describing a sell-out production at the Royal Opera House Linbury Studio Theatre)
