Synopsis:

"Their style of singing – perfectly blended vocal harmony, exquisite tuning, inventive phrasing, delicately poised textural clarity – provides a magical accompaniment to the warmth of the Christmas season."
– BBC Music Magazine's Recording of the Month
"Ingeniously programmed and impeccably delivered, with that undefinable excitement that comes from a group of musicians working absolutely as one."
– Gramophone

The Gesualdo Six is an award-winning British vocal ensemble comprising some of the UK's finest consort singers, directed by Owain Park.

For centuries, Christmas and the surrounding seasons have inspired composers to new heights of invention. Centuries-old carols tell the timeless story, with some works presented here in their inherited form and others reimagined by skilled arrangers.

This programme for Voices 2024 – A Festival of Song spans the ages, from the eternal beauty of the Tudor church right up to the 21st century, with each piece chosen to evoke a sense of mystery and joy.

This concert showcases a collaboration between The Gesualdo Six and the Voices Festival Choir. They will perform a motet by Renaissance composer William Byrd, along with a new arrangement of Away in a Manger by Owain Park.

Programme:

Arr. Philip Lawson (b.1957) Veni, veni Emmanuel
Michael Praetorius (1571 – 1621) Nun Komm, der Heiden Heiland
Sally Beamish (b. 1956) In the Stillness
Arr. J.S. Bach (1685 – 1750) In dulci jubilo
Gustav Holst (1874 – 1934) In the bleak midwinter
Anon. Angelus ad virginem
arr. Brian Kay (b. 1944) Gaudete

Featuring the Voices Festival Choir:

William Byrd (1540 – 1623) Hodie Christus natus est
arr. Owain Park (b. 1993) Away in a manger
arr. Michael Praetorius (1571 – 1621) Es ist ein Ros entsprungen

Arvo Part (b. 1935) Morning Star
Owain Park O send out they light
arr. Philip Lawson Maria durch ein dornwald ging
Bob Chilcott (b.1955) The Shepherd's Carol