Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina is considered by many to be the leading composer of the late sixteenth century. His 'Missa Papae Marcelli' was written for the coronation of Pope Marcellus II in 1592 and has proved to be enduringly popular.  It is renowned for its clarity of text combined with the radiance of the polyphonic voices which has earned it 'most incessant praise' and 'astonished even the performers themselves' during an early performance.
The programme opens with a range of secular and sacred songs and motets beginning with Heinrich Isaac's 'Innsbruck, ich muss dich lassen' from the early 16th century and concluding with Sulpita Cesis's 'O crux splendidor' written for double choir and first published in 1619. These rarely performed pieces feature the compositions of  often-overlooked contributions of women to Renaissance music, with madrigals and motets by Vittoria Aleotti, Maddalena Casulana, and Sulpitia Cesis. The evening showcases the depth, beauty and diversity of the golden age of polyphony.

vOx will perform in our usual concert venue, Pusey House Chapel in Oxford and also in All Saints Church, Brill near Aylesbury HP18 9RT. To book tickets please click on the button Buy Tickets below