C O N C E R T
A boy is
born for us
Puer natus
est nobis
Saturday 16 December 2023
7.30 pm
St Mary's, Bourne Street
London, SW1W 8]J
Director: David Allinson
Thomas Tallis, Missa Puer natus est
William Byrd, Ave Maria and Propers for Advent
Walter Lambe, Nesciens Mater
Alfonso Ferrabosco, Mirabile mysterium
John Sheppard, Verbum caro and other works
Celebrate a Tudor Christmas with The Renaissance Singers as we perform Thomas Tallis’s monumental Mass for Christmas Day (including the fragmentary Credo).
I N M E M O R Y
Alistair Dixon, who for many years sang with the Renaissance Singers and served as its inspirational Chair for over a decade, died in Broadstairs on 6 November after a short illness.
He was a man of many talents and achievements, including those as a hotelier and a telecoms management consultant. However he was best known as a gifted musician – a singer, organist and conductor.
He co-founded the celebrated independent record label Signum Records with which he recorded the complete works of Thomas Tallis in a monumental nine-disc series with the professional choir Chapelle du Roi, which he founded and conducted.
He also sang for many years as a Gentleman of Her Majesty’s Chapel Royal at St James Palace. In music publishing he set a high bar with his editions of choral music for the Cantiones Press.
Alistair was an endearing, affable man whose death leaves a huge gap in the lives of those who knew him and loved him – his husband Robert, his surviving family and a wide circle of friends.
F E A T U R E D R E V I E W S
Outstanding performance from an incredibly talented ensemble and passionate conductor. Polyphony which truly enriches the soul. Thank you for a memorable and most enjoyable evening!
Stefan Hoppe
Helped by a wonderful acoustic, we knew from the very first perfectly balanced chord that we were in for a treat. The blend and balance in the sound was enviable with no individual voices sticking out. And the repertoire was something of a revelation. Congratulations one and all.
Neil Price
Thank you so much for arranging such an enjoyable event last Monday. It was simply the best couple of hours' practical music making in which I have ever participated.
Richard Turbet
F E A T U R E D R E C O R D I N G
In common with many musical groups, we were unable to perform during the lockdown owing to restrictions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time we found alternative ways of bringing Renaissance music to you, which we hope to continue now that we are back to live performance.
We are incredibly grateful to our generous supporters for their kind donations over recent months, which have helped to sustain the choir. Any donations you feel able to give us will enable us to continue to bring you online content and to present concerts now that restrictions allow.