Following their stunning immersive exploration of the hidden world of William Byrd (praised by The Guardian for its “effortless perfection”), the virtuoso singers of Gesualdo Six return to St Martin-in-the-Fields with a garland of song for the dawning of the year. Plainchant is the magical thread here: this timeless music crosses ages, linking together choral miniatures from six centuries – from the sacred raptures of Byrd and de Lassus to modern masterpieces by Arvo Pärt, John Rutter, and the Six’s own director Owain Park. On a January night, these are songs of light, renewal and the coming spring: music that glows in the dark.

Programme

Plainchant – Ecce advenit dominator Dominus
Peter Cornelius – The Three Kings
Johannes Eccard – Maria wallt zum Heiligtum
William Byrd – Ecce advenit Dominator Dominus
Plainchant – Omnes de Saba venient
Cheryl Frances-Hoad – The Promised Light of Life
Jacob Handl – Mirabile mysterium
Herbert Howells – Here is the little door
Plainchant – Vidimus stellam
Jacob Clemens – non Papa Magi veniunt ab oriente
Arvo Pärt – Morning Star
John Rutter – There is a flower
Plainchant – Reges Tharsis
Orlande de Lassus – Tribus miraculis
Owain Park – Oh send out thy light
Judith Bingham – In Mary’s Love
Plainchant – Vidimus stellam
William Byrd – Praise our Lord all ye Gentiles

Performers

The Gesualdo Six
Owain Park Director