Tenebrae Choir – Sat 29th March 2025

Description

Tenebrae is one of the world’s leading vocal ensembles, renowned for its passion and precision. The choir has earned international acclaim and outstanding revues. The Times wrote ”A concert by Tenebrae is more than a performance. It’s an experience that envelops the audience….this is one of the best choirs in the world”. We’ll have the pleasure of a select group of six singers who are making a spring tour of the south of England.  The programme will include choral pieces from Tallis to Britten, from Gibbons to Judith Weir and include the Mass for four voices by William Byrd.

Tenebrae was founded in 2001 and has grown to be one of the best choirs in the world. Its repertoire covers works from the 16^th century to the 21^st century and is able to combine in one programme many diverse pieces. The choir has toured internationally, particularly in USA, and has a recording contract with Signum. A review by Gramophone said “Signum’s current roster includes many excellent ensembles but the choral jewel in the crown is surely Tenebrae”.

The programme covers a wide range of choral pieces but particularly 5 of the 6 sections of the Mass which William Byrd put to music for four voice parts: this work is a classic example of English renaissance music from the Tudor era. Other items include All Creatures now by Bennett, If ye love me by Thomas Tallis, and The long day closes by Arthur Sullivan. If you don’t know this last piece you’ll be amazed that a composer of musicals could write such emotional music.