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Vocal & multi-instrumental quartet |
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Dragonsfire is a quartet of remarkable versatility. Each member not only sings but is a multi-instrumentalist and they play a huge array of instruments. Every piece in their repertoire is arranged by a member of the group, making even the most wellknown song into something new. They draw on early music, traditional British folk song and light classical music as the basis for their arrangements, so their repertoire is a delightful crossover of musical styles. All their performances are marked by an informal, yet totally professional presentation. This original and accomplished approach has led to them being in great demand for public concerts, and for private functions and corporate events. Dragonsfire performs for receptions, dinners, product launches, weddings, parties, conferences and other events. They often perform as Medieval / Tudor minstrels but they also enhance many other themed events. The group also offer workshops and specially tailored concerts to schools and other educational establishments. They regularly play in venues of distinction all over the united Kingdom, and past engagements have taken them to Canada and many countries in Europe, Scandinavia and the Middle East. Dragonsfire has appeared on television and radio in this country and abroad, and they have composed and performed music both for radio and for theatrical productions. They also have several recordings available. Details of future recordings, engagements and other Dragonsfire developments are available on this website, and also through our regular newsletter, sent to all those on our free mailing list. Please contact us if you would like to be included on the list. Dragonsfire can help with all your entertainment requirements through their own function planning company, Belltower Enterprises. |
Nigel Perona-Wright is the director of Dragonsfire and responsible for the group's management and for many of their musical arrangements. He began his career in music as a chorister at Westminster Abbey. Having passed his first flute diploma at the age of seventeen while still at school, he went on to study at the Royal Academy of Music. He has always worked freelance and remains a busy performer in various areas of the profession.
Hilary Perona-Wright trained as a graphic designer at Epsom Art College, and while there she won recognition as a designer, poet and musician. Her naturally beautiful voice has won plaudits from the Press and she has written lyrics for several of the group's songs. Hilary designs all the publicity for Dragonsfire.
Jon Banks read music at Exeter College, Oxford and completed a doctoral thesis on Italian Renaissance music. His book, 'The Motet as a formal type in Northern Italy, ca. 1500' was published by Garland Press in New York. Jon is a true multi-instrumentalist, playing wind, brass, string and keyboard instruments.
Ben Grove studied at Trinity College of Music. He now plays regularly as a theatre musician, most regularly for the Royal Shakespeare Company at the Barbican, and at the National Theatre.