The Destined Knot: the story of 'Il Pastor Fido'

The Collaboration

Marenzio’s music tells the story of ‘Il Pastor Fido’ (the faithful shepherd), a tragicomedy play by Guarini written in the 16th century. Shakespearean in style, the story features mistaken identities, enchanted woods and long-lost family members as well as the more classical tropes of ancient curses, shepherds and nymphs.

This epic tale of star-crossed lovers was famous throughout Europe, inspiring hundreds of composers like Marenzio. This visualisation will cross the Italian language barrier, helping us to tell this fantastic story using Marenzio’s stunning and highly experimental music. We are excited to be working with award-winning artist Eleanor Meredith in creating this animation to accompany and enhance the music.

Eleanor's artworks use texture and colour in an abstract style to bring Guarini's characters to life. She has previously worked with ensembles like Sinfonia Viva, Aurora Orchestra and The Scottish Ensemble and you can see more of her work here.

We need your help to bring this project to completion. We will release a CD recording in 2022 with the animation available to download alongside it. We will also be performing the finished collaboration live, singing with the projected animation in concert.

Returning to live music

This project targets two main priorities for us. While some people are now able to come back to the concert hall, others are still self-isolating and vulnerable: 

• This music-film combination can be experienced from home, incorporating a visual aspect different from the standard filmed concert which we have come to expect over the lockdown periods. 
• We also want to encourage those who are able, to return to support live music around the UK. The creative arts have suffered a great deal during the pandemic and we are keen to engage with audiences again.

About us

Performing a cappella, often accompanied by early instruments, Fieri’s interpretations are informed by the collective experience and knowledge of the group. In 2017, we were awarded the Cambridge Prize at the York Early Music Festival and in 2019, performed at the Wigmore Hall as part of Dame Emma Kirkby’s 70th birthday celebrations.

We have released four albums to critical acclaim with our first disc, Tears of a Lover, being awarded ‘Choral Choice’ of the month by BBC Music Magazine. Our most recent release, AMAVI in January 2021 was a collaboration with the Chelys Consort of Viols on the music of Michael East on the BIS label and reached #12 in the Specialist Classical Charts.

"Highly expressive delivery" - The Times

"Tasteful discretion and delivery" - Gramophone

"Their glowing sound enhances performances of sheer delight" - Choir & Organ