Padilla

Renaissance Singers: Voices from the Shadows

~ Andrew Benson-Wilson

Voices from the Shadows: Lux Aeterna
A Requiem from Puebla Cathedral
Lamentations and motets from Spain and the New World
The Renaissance Singers, David Allinson
St Pancras New Church. 10 February 2024

I have reviewed The Rensaissance Singers many times over the years, and they always impress. But this concert was really something special. Not only was the performance outstanding, but the choice of music, much of it being heard for the first time in the UK, was a brilliant choice by their inspirational musical director and conductor David Allinson. Their programme was based on the music of Spain and the New World in the build-up to Easter and the traditional Day of the Dead celebrations, with a musical focus on two principal churches, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Pueblo de los Angeles.

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Ex Cathedra: Gaudete!

~ Andrew Benson-Wilson ~ Leave a comment

Gaudete!
Ex Cathedra Consort, Jeffrey Skidmore
Milton Court. 5 December 2015

Ex Cathedra Consort - credit Paul Arthur
Photo: Paul Arther

Under the inspired leadership of their artistic director Jeffrey Skidmore, Ex Cathedra has, since 1969, excelled in bringing the highest quality of choral music and related educational projects to the Birmingham area, only occasionally making very welcome visits to London. They run several youth choirs, the main Ex Cathedra choir and the fully professional Ex Cathedra Consort, and also work in schools and hospitals. Many top professional singers have come through their ranks. They continue to combine musical excellence with programmes based on research by their director, notably into South American music of the Baroque era.

Their latest venture down south was to Milton Court with their programme Gaudete!. The first half was Continue reading →