Music evocative of Elizabethan times

The Affetto ensemble. File photo.

For soprano Jayne Tankersley, a concert in Hastings next month will be something of a return home.

She sings with the early music ensemble Affetto, which is touring the country during July.

"We are looking forward to coming to Hawke's Bay, as my husband and I both went to Havelock North High - both products of that amazing music department," she said.

The five-piece group is unique in that it plays music which is pre-1750 on instruments from that early musical era.

While Mrs Tankersley sings, Peter Reid plays cornetto, Polly Sussex a viola da gamba, Philip Griffin a theobo and Rachael Griffiths-Hughes a harpsichord.

Mrs Tankersley said the concert, scheduled for Hastings on July 13, would create a glimpse into the royal courts of the 16th and 17th centuries "through the psyche and passion of two notorious women - Barbara Strozzi and Lady Macbeth".

She said the distinctive and historic instruments provided an engaging range of what she termed "sound colours".

The group is touring the country as part of the Chamber New Zealand Encompass series and will play at St Matthew's Church in Hastings.

-Tickets are $20 for adults and under-18s are free.