Music for Meditation and Devotion by Simone Molinaro (c.1570-1636) November 12, 2010

Nov 12, 8pm (SF); Nov 13, 8pm (Berkeley) and Nov 14, 4pm (Palo Alto)

First performances in modern times of ten masterworks from the late Italian Renaissance: Music for Meditation and Devotion by Simone Molinaro (c.1570-1636)

Simone Molinaro was master of music at the cathedral in Genoa. A contemporary of Monteverdi, he was a superb composer of both the older polyphonic style of Renaissance church music (heard in this program in six highly emotional motets in rich five-part harmony) and the newer baroque style (heard in four elegant duets).

Molinaro's compositions, recently been rediscovered by Peter S. Poulos, were revealed last year in San Francisco at Chalice Consort's competition for newly edited early music. The magnificent "Quae est ista" that won the competition will open this season's concert devoted entirely to Molinaro's music. The program closes with Molinaro's dramatic setting for double choir of a motet about the betrayal of Jesus: "My friend betrayed me with a kiss" ("Amicus meus osculi me tradidit signo").

This powerful music, being heard for the first time in over four hundred years, speaks to us today about love, passion, devotion, and human betrayal.

~Davitt Moroney

San Francisco: 8:00 p.m. Friday, November 12, 2010
St. Monica's Catholic Church, 470 24th Ave.

Berkeley: 8:00 p.m. Saturday, November 13, 2010
St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 2005 Berryman St.

Palo Alto: 4:00 p.m. Sunday, November 14, 2010
All Saints Episcopal Church, 555 Waverley St.

Chalice Consort Roster:
Davitt Moroney, Artistic Director
Michelle Clair, Soprano
Rebekah Wu, Soprano
Lindasusan Ulrich, Alto
Celeste Winant, Alto
Jamie Apgar, Countertenor
Nick Kotar, Tenor
David Wake, Tenor
Clarence Wright, Tenor
Jeff Phillips, Baritone
Julio Ferrari, Bass

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