Jo Talbot Bowen is a lute and early music enthusiast based in East Devon. She also plays the Vihuela, Mandolin and Baroque Guitar. Jo is a past Trustee and member of The Lute Society of Great Britain.
I play my Renaissance Lute, Vihuela and Baroque Guitar as 'Devoniana' for charity events - do contact me for more information. Other lutenists and singers may join in, according to the event. Devoniana is available for 1-2 hours of lute playing for Tudor or Renaissance themed events, historic re-enactments, and traditional Christmas carols. A one hour illustrated talk is also available, titled 'Introduction to the Lute '. I can bring along my instruments to introduce you to the sound world they originated in. Do contact me for further details.
Devoniana plays at The Fairlynch Museum and the Budleigh Hub (now known as Sea Change)
Devoniana (aka Jo Talbot Bowen ) playing at the activity day in October 2023, at The Budleigh Hub (once the cottage hospital for the town) at Budleigh Salterton .
Devoniana also played at the Christmas drinks party and late night town openings at the Fairlynch Museum and Arts Centre in 2023, 2024 and 2005.
' Dear Jo, A huge thankyou for providing a delightful musical presence at Fairlynch last night' Chair, Fairlynch, December 2023
May 2024 Devoniana at East Budleigh, Devon The Elizabethan themed evening at East Budleigh village hall was a great success, as reported by the local press and all who attended! Devoniana played a range of Tudor music and all enjoyed the evening which included a raffle for charity, a 4 course banquet of Tudor inspired food and a magician's show. Around 80 attended. Sir Walter Raleigh, Roger Connett and even Elizabeth 1 put in a colourful appearance!
Devoniana appearances in 2025 have included a talk for the Mother's Union at St Peter's Church, Budleigh Salterton. 20 ladies attended. The talk was illustrated with musical interludes and Devonian brought her Vihuela along too. At a meeting last week at St. Peter’s Church Hall we had the pleasure of listening to Jo Bowen playing her lute, something we do not often have the opportunity of hearing. It was quite magical and I found it very moving. Thank you Jo for the lovely entertainment and I do hope to hear you play again very soon. Beryl Schmidt-Rieche June 2025
In February 2026, Jo was honoured to be invited to read at the 400th year Dr John Dowland Remembrance Service at St Andrews by the Wardrobe in the City of London, organised by Sarah Shepley. She read the lyrics to the Dowland Song , published in 1603 in Dowland's 3rd book of songs, 'Weep no more, sad fountains' .