Collegium Singers explore a programme of works by Palestrina (known as the Prince of Music) as part of the 500thanniversary of his birth. The choral journey takes in sacred Gregorian chant and a motet by Catholic composer James MacMillan together with works by two of Palestrina’s English contemporaries William Byrd and Robert White.
Mary – the Queen of Heaven and mother of Jesus – is the focus for many of the works including Palestrina’s 20th century setting of the same text whilst the Marian theme allows a diversion to the Magnificat setting by Arvo Part who celebrated his 90th birthday in September 2025.
Programme
First half
Laudes Regiae - Plainsong
Missa Assumpta est Maria – Giovanni da Palestrina
The Deer’s Cry – Arvo Pärt
Sicut cervus - Giovanni da Palestrina
Lamentations à 5: Lectio Prima – Robert White
O Radiant Dawn – James MacMillan
Gloria - Giovanni da Palestrina
Interval
Sanctus - Giovanni da Palestrina
Benedictus - Giovanni da Palestrina
Ave Verum Corpus – William Byrd
Agnus Dei - Giovanni da Palestrina
Salve Regina – Francis Poulenc
Salve Regina a 5 - Giovanni da Palestrina
Magnificat - Arvo Pärt
Exultate Deo - Giovanni da Palestrina
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
St George's Catholic Church,, Billet Street, Taunton, United Kingdom
