Solitary City

Ripieno Choir

One does not need to share in the faith of a composer with religious conviction to be moved by the vividness and intensity of their music to convey the emotion of the sacred texts they set. In this Ripieno Choir concert, conducted by Huw Morgan, we explore settings of prayers of contrition and poetic laments by three deeply devout composers: Renaissance masters Tallis and Byrd, alongside the contemporary Scottish composer James MacMillan.

MacMillan’s Miserere, written for The Sixteen in 2009, is reminiscent of Allegri’s much-loved Miserere, comprising a plainchant foundation with episodes of harmonically rich elaboration, but embellished with a hint of Celtic lilt and distinctive chromatic touches. Tallis’ Lamentations of Jeremiah, perhaps echoing the upheaval of his own time, are amongst his best known and loved works and contain some of his finest word-painting and most intense harmony. His extended motet for seven voices, Suscipe Quaeso is equally intense. 

These works promise to take the listener on a distinctive spiritual journey, with an evening of serene and contemplative music-making.

Tickets: £16 in advance, £18 on day, £5 under 18s, group discounts available. Available online -  http://ripienochoir.org.uk/tickets or email mailto:vox@ripienochoir.org.uk or call 020 8399 2714