About this Event
Lusitano: Travels & Tributes - sixteenth century polyphony by Vicente Lusitano and his circle
Once again, Resurgam is bringing the special magic of sixteenth century choral works to venues on Ireland’s western seaboard, inspiring local audiences and choirs, and revealing the intricate wonders of sixteenth century polyphony in buildings perfectly suited to this music.
In this programme, Resurgam explores Lusitano’s travels, patrons, and influences: the opulent polyphony of the motets dedicated to dukes and popes; the simplicity of the music composed for Protestant Stuttgart, and the composers of previous generations who inspired him.
Resurgam will be fielding an eight-voice chamber ensemble to trace the fascinating journey of Lusitano’s life and legacy. The members of the ensemble are especially pleased that, in this journey, they will be joined by children’s voices, introducing young singers to this singular and transcendent repertoire. For the concert in St Nicholas Collegiate Church in Galway on Saturday, 1 March 2025, Resurgam will be joined by The Choristers of St Nicholas Schola Catorum.
About Vicente Lusitano:
From Portugal to Germany, from Catholicism to Lutheranism, from holy orders to heresy, Vicente Lusitano’s birth, life and travels encompass the confessional, musical, and racialised divides of sixteenth century Europe. Born in Portugal, most likely to an enslaved mother and a father with the means to give his son an education, if not a surname, Lusitano became a priest and secured the patronage of one of Portugal’s most illustrious families in bringing his works to print in a monumental collection of motets for the Catholic liturgy, published in Rome under the copyright of Pope Julius III.
In doing so, Lusitano became the first composer racialised as Black to publish his music in Europe, some two hundred years before Ignatius Sancho would do so. However, his achievements didn’t stop there. Leaving the priesthood, he embraced Protestantism in the secret heretical circles operating in Northern Italy, married, and travelled to Germany, where a sole motet in a Stuttgart choir book bears witness to his presence.
Tickets:
Full Price: €20.00
Concession: €15.00
Students: €5.00
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church, Lombard St., Galway H91 PY20, Ireland
EUR 22.42