Monteverdi Vespers at Winchester Cathedral

About

Southampton Philharmonic Choir present this jewel of the early Baroque in the magnificent setting of Winchester Cathedral. Performing alongside them are the Southampton University Philharmonic Choir, The Pilgrims' School Chamber Choir, and the Corporation of Musick, a cornett and sackbut ensemble dedicated to recreating the sounds and styles of the music once heard in the royal courts, churches and streets of Renaissance and Baroque Europe.

Vespers, or evening prayers, are part of the Hours of the Divine Office, a set of daily prayers of the Catholic Church, which have remained structurally unchanged for hundreds of years. Monteverdi's Vespers of the Blessed Virgin are based around several biblical texts traditionally part of the liturgy for several Marian Feasts. This composition is regarded as one of the most ambitious works of religious music before Bach, because of its huge scale, including multiple vocal parts and seven soloists. Although much of the rich choral music is traditional by the standards of the day, the Vespers was ground breaking in its introduction of brass, wind and string instruments, but also of the very florid solo lines associated with the new techniques of Opera. The Vespers is very much a transitional piece, introducing new Baroque features with dramatic expressiveness of vocal virtuosity but retaining many of the glories of 16th Century polyphony. That potent cocktail is part of the great ongoing appeal of the work.

Ticket prices: £12, £18, £24, £29 and £34 with concessions. Seniors (Over 65s): £1 off all ticket prices. Discount Groups (disabled, carers accompanying disabled, jobseekers, students and children): half-price. (Wheelchair users and carers: Row N/A only)

Tickets may be bought directly from the Cathedral Box Office or online.