Sestina robe themselves in glories of Rome

Sestina consists of six singers, who met in August last year to participate in the benchmark performance of Mendelssohn’s ‘Elijah’ in the Royal Albert Hall, as part of the BBC Proms concert series, conducted by Paul McCreesh.

As members of the Ulster Youth Choir, (one of five youth choirs invited to participate in the event) they were so inspired by this unique occasion, that they approached Counter Tenor and teacher, Mark Chambers to continue making music at the highest possible level. Following their debut performance in December 2011, the group approached Paul McCreesh to be their Patron.

For their next performance, Sestina will be joined by internationally renowned harpsichordist, David Adams, bass violin player, Malachy Robinson and violinists Carolyn Hall and Colin Norrby. The programme will explore the masterpieces of one of the golden ages in music.

The world renowned setting of Gregorio Allegri’s Miserere will form the centrepiece of the concert, and will be enhanced by music of Tomás Luis de Victoria and Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. The concert will also include celebratory instrumental music by Christofano Malvezzi for the wedding of a Medici Prince and concluding with a performance of one of the first sacred Oratorios – Jephthe by Giacomo Carissimi.

The group’s director, Mark Chambers, said: “This music is some of the finest music ever written. Intended to be performed in the Sistine Chapel and the German College in Rome, the music is of a scale and sonority which will transport the listener. We are delighted to have the opportunity to perform in two renowned acoustics, Christ Church and St Peter’s Cathedral in Belfast. Please join us and immerse yourself in this heavenly music.”

The concerts will take place on Thursday, April 26, at 7.45pm in Christ Church, on Infirmary Road, Cityside, or Friday, April 27, at 7.45pm in St Peter’s Cathedral, St Peter’s Square, Belfast.

Admission is free with a retiring collection.