The Prince of Music

2025 marks half a millennium since the birth of Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina - one of the greatest composers of the Renaissance. His career was inextricably entwined with the Papacy and the great churches of Rome.

Renowned vocal ensemble Stile Antico present a programme exploring music Palestrina would have sung at the Sistine Chapel, the changes in his style demanded by the Counter-Reformation, his tragic personal life, and his influence on his successors. The sumptuous repertoire includes several of Palestrina’s most beloved and timeless motets, gems by other composers active in Rome, and the UK premiere of a new work by Cheryl Frances-Hoad written especially for this programme.

The concert also celebrates the release of Stile Antico’s latest album on the Decca Classics label: The Golden Renaissance: Palestrina.