Ex Cathedra: Harmonic Spiritual Theatre

This bittersweet Lenten programme explores the development of the oratorio with searing 17th century music by Carissimi, Charpentier, Monteverdi, Gesualdo and Anerio – whose publication Teatro armonico spirituale di madrigali lends the concert its name. Jephte makes a vow and faces having to sacrifice his only daughter, but not before she sings an agonisingly beautiful lament. Peter denies Christ three times before the cock crows.

We’re delighted to give this concert on the opening day of the Holy Week Festival curated by St John’s Smith Square and Tenebrae.

'rising finely to that wondrously poignant final lament' (The Independent)

Listen to an excerpt here.

The concert will be recorded by BBC Radio 3 for broadcast at a later date.