For centuries Christmas and the surrounding seasons have inspired composers to new heights of invention.

This programme moves across the ages, from the intricate architecture of Renaissance polyphony by Palestrina, Lassus and Byrd, to the distinctive voices of the present day, including Cheryl Frances-Hoad and Blake Morgan. At its centre is the season of Advent: a time of waiting and anticipation. Ancient hymns and carols sit alongside modern reflections on the Christmas story, with familiar melodies appearing both in their traditional form and through the lens of contemporary arrangers. From candlelit devotion to moments of joy, The Gesualdo Six traces a musical path through the festive season.

Programme:
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina Matin Responsory (I look from afar), arr. David Willcocks
Orlande de Lassus Conditor alme siderum
Michael Praetorius Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland
Sally Beamish In the stillness
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina O magnum mysterium
Cheryl Frances-Hoad The Promised Light of Life
Blake Morgan Quem pastores laudavere
Michael Praetorius Es ist ein Ros entsprungen
Anonymous Angelus ad virginem
Traditional Gaudete
Francis Poulenc O magnum mysterium
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina Ad te levavi
Gerald Finzi arr. Simon Grant Salutation
Gustav Holst In the bleak midwinter
William Byrd Rorate Caeli
Owain Park O send out thy light
Bob Chilcott The Shepherd’s Carol

The Gesualdo Six:
Guy James, Alasdair Austin countertenors
Joseph Wicks, Josh Cooter tenors
Simon Grant baritone
Owain Park bass, director