‘Our Most Special Servant….’

Mary, Queen of Scots to Elizabeth ,Queen of England. 1560

David Riccio, is one of history’s most famous victims, having been murdered in the royal Palace of Holyrood in the presence of his Queen. Musician, secretary, diplomat and prominent courtly presence – this programme explores how he may have earned this fond description, as well as how he brought about the hostility that led to his violent death.  Though the medium of 16th century music and a freshly contrived text, The Galloway Concert seek to summon up the youthful joy and lurking danger of the Scottish Renaissance court in Mary Stewart’s brief reign.