Acclaimed British vocal ensemble to perform Renaissance and contemporary works at St. Matthew’s Church
The Gesualdo Six will present “Queen of Hearts” on Feb. 6 at 8 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Church in Pacific Palisades, bringing a program that spans Renaissance court music and contemporary works.
The award-winning British vocal ensemble, made up of six consort singers, is known for performances that blend historical repertoire with modern interpretation. BBC Music Magazine has described the group as “weavers of rich and plangent aural tapestries,” while Gramophone Magazine praised a recent appearance as “ingeniously programmed and impeccably delivered.”
“Queen of Hearts” features motets and chansons associated with the courts of prominent European queens, including Anne of Brittany, Margaret of Austria, Anne Boleyn and Mary Tudor. The program also incorporates short modern compositions, creating what the ensemble describes as a musical portrait of influential women across the sixteenth and twenty-first centuries.
A pre-concert discussion titled “Liner notes” will take place at 7:10 p.m. in the church and is open to all ticket holders. The informal conversation will include insights from members of the Gesualdo Six on the music and its composers.
Late seating will be permitted at the discretion of ushers between musical selections.