Christmas music, you say? In mid-November? Fear not – there will be no overly-familiar Christmas carols in Cantores’ next programme (18 November in Cirencester Parish Church, and 25 November in St Mary’s, Prestbury, Cheltenham). Instead, the choir will explore many different styles of advent music, from the Middle Ages to our own time.
Cantores will combine images of Christ as a rose, as depicted by Praetorius, Howells and Swedish composer Jan Sandstrom, with French music from Villete and Poulenc – their settings of ‘O Magnum Mysterium’, William Byrd’s intricate and lively motet ‘Vigilate’, and Henry Purcell’s ‘Magnificat in G Minor’. Ola Gjeilo’s ‘Second Eve’ adds a contemporary touch, along with John Tavener’s much loved ‘The Lamb’.
Advent, often seen as a season of penitence, is very obviously also one of anticipation, so do come and join us and enjoy some lovely music in either of these wonderful settings.
Tickets (£15; £12 for concessions; under-16s free) are available from Lorna Eayrs on 01242 603988 and online for Cirencester and Prestbury.
Singing more traditional Christmas carols, Cantores will be accompanying a Christmas service at Down Ampney on Saturday December 9. Everyone of course is very welcome.
And why not make a note now of the dates for Cantores’ ‘The American Dream’ concerts in spring next year – March 17 (Cirencester) and March 24 (St Peter’s, Leckhampton, Cheltenham)?