Lacock Scholars - Zéspedes 400: Choral Treasures of the Mexican Baroque

The city of Puebla in Mexico was founded in 1531, and by the 17th century had become a cultural jewel in the Spanish colonial crown. Initially, the music at Puebla's famous cathedral was led by composers brought to Mexico from Spain and Portugal, such as Gaspar Fernandes or the famous Juan Gutiérrez de Padilla, who had already developed a career in Spain before arriving in Puebla in his early 30s, in 1622. Under his leadership the musical establishment there reached its zenith, and into this flourishing environment was born Puebla's native Mexican maestro, Juan García de Zéspedes (1619 – 1678).

Join us for a colourful concert of Mexican Baroque choral treasures performed by the UK's premier amateur consort, The Lacock Scholars, in celebration of Zéspedes's 400th birthday. Conducted by Greg Skidmore, one of the country's leading specialist performers of Renaissance polyphony, the group will present a selection of Zéspedes' works alongside others by his fellow Choirmasters at the Puebla Cathedral, and selected Spanish Renaissance masterworks that were also an integral part of Zéspedes' repertoire. The concert will be in the characteristic Lacock Scholars style; seamless and without applause, allowing you to approach the music on your own terms, surrounded by the magnificent architecture of one of east London's hidden gem Baroque churches, St Botolph-without-Bishopsgate.

Ticket includes a complimentary glass of Spanish wine and the chance to mingle and meet the musicians after the performance!

Organised by Iberian and Latin American Music Society as part of Echoes Festival 2019 in collaboration with the Instituto Cervantes and Lacock Courses, with the kind support of Ribera del Duero