Chalice Consort Presents 'By The Waters of Babylon' November 6, 2009

"By the Waters of Babylon" is a provocative program of choral pieces by the greatest English composer of the late Renaissance, William Byrd (c.1540-1623). Although Byrd continued writing for the Protestant Anglican Church as part of his official functions at Queen Elizabeth I's Court, he remained a Roman Catholic in private, at a time when this was increasingly dangerous. His beautiful and highly passionate music illustrates many of the historical issues that were being played out at that time, including religious fanaticism, oppression of minority communities, and political issues church and state, many of which are being replayed in different ways around the world today.

We first evoke Byrd's public conformity and official acceptance of the state religion; then come his private music of political protest, magnificent motets of lamentation and outrage, which gave voice to an oppressed community. The program ends with serene pieces from Byrd's private mission of solace.

All of the pieces in this concert are exceptionally powerful, both musically and emotionally. This is a concert not to miss, of music that cannot be forgotten.

(Davitt Moroney)

$15.

Official Website: http://www.chaliceconsort.org/index.html