The brightest lights have nothing on the brilliance of the next composer in the matinée series: Orlande de Lassus. Born in Mons, in present-day Belgium, Lassus travelled extensively across Europe, acquiring different names along the way: Orlande de Lassus in France, Orlando di Lasso in Italy and Orlandus Lassus in Latin. Whatever the name, his reputation was unmistakable. Eventually settling at the Bavarian court in Munich, he became one of the most celebrated composers of the 16th century. His astonishing output encompasses everything from deeply expressive sacred music to witty, irreverent secular songs, revealing a composer equally at home with solemn devotion and good humour. This Choral Matinée explores four contrasting works: Exaudi Deus, Super flumina Babylonis, Inclina Domine and, to finish on a rather more convivial note, Deus qui bonum vinum – a playful celebration of good wine! It offers an afternoon of glorious Renaissance polyphony, expressive contrasts and a little musical mischief.

Repertoire:
Orlande de Lassus Exaudi Deus
Super flumina Babylonis
Inclina Domine
Deus qui bonum vinum