Cast a Sheep’s Eye
‘Cast a Sheep’s Eye’, meaning to give an amorous glance, brings to life love songs from 16th- and 17th-century England. Join countertenor Joe Levy, accompanied on the piano by conductor Konstantinos Terzakis, for an evening of music from across the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The event is part of the Cygnet Theatre’s Dream Festival and includes works by Purcell, Dowland and Morley, as well as many that rarely get performed but are treasures nonetheless.
You will hear about not only the songs themselves and their composers, but also the world in which they were created. Music is a reflection of people’s hopes and fears and so through this concert you will learn more about life in 16th- and 17th-century England. These are events not to be missed in some of the South West’s most beautiful and interesting buildings.
About Joe Levy
Originally trained as a violinist, Joe Levy began singing in choirs before becoming a classical countertenor. In particular, Joe has a passion for Baroque and early music, performing Purcell and Handel alongside Medieval hymns in Middle English and 17th-century folk songs. This said, he has always preferred a diverse repertoire, singing both as a countertenor and a baritone across various musical genres. This extends beyond classical singing and encompasses styles as varied as soul, jazz and folk.
After growing up in London, Joe moved to Exeter in 2012 to study Archaeology and Anthropology and has lived here ever since. The historic setting of the city and the dramatic land and seascapes surrounding it have heavily influenced him creatively. He often interweaves history and storytelling into his performances, giving audiences an insight into the world in which each song was created. Outside of performing, Joe teaches singing at the Cygnet Theatre, a venue he works with closely and has sung in several concerts there.
About Konstantinos Terzakis
Recently appointed Assistant Conductor of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (2022/23) and selected conductor at the Klangspuren Festival 2021 (Austria) under the Internationale Ensemble Modern Akademie, Konstantinos Terzakis has been based in the United Kingdom since 2019 where he has bolstered his education in conducting and collaborated professionally with a diverse range of ensembles and orchestras.
He completed his Master’s of Music in orchestral conducting with Martyn Brabbins, Garry Walker and Alasdair Mitchell, having been awarded a full scholarship by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. He was awarded the Hugh S. Roberton Prize for Orchestral Conducting and the second prize of the 4th International Composer Award of Vienna. Alongside his studies, he has expanded his training in Ballet conducting with Richard Honner.
He has been awarded the first prize of the 9th National Conducting Competition of Michalis Economou and has been a finalist in the Lanyi Conducting Competition and the 1st Conducting Competition of the Athens State Orchestra.
Examples of other significant collaborations include the Ergon Ensemble, Red Note ensemble, TETTTIX, the Greek Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Greek Radio Contemporary Orchestra and the Athens Symphony Orchestra.
