Ex Cathedra: Monteverdi's Vespers (1610)

Monteverdi’s iconic work is one of the pinnacles of early baroque sacred music. Renowned for its exceptional beauty, expressive range and dramatic effects, the Vespers of the Blessed Virgin (1610) is a compendium of glorious choruses, acrobatic instrumental writing and elaborate solos that combine the sensual with the sublime. As a testament to its vocal and instrumental virtuosity, the Vespers continues to astonish and delight the ear four hundred years after its publication.

We’re delighted to give this concert as part of the International Concert Series at St David’s Hall, Cardiff. Sung by our consort of 10 singers, with soloists emerging from within the group, it will bring together the intimacy of the madrigal with the emergence of opera, styles which infuse Monteverdi’s Vespers. The equal brilliance of our Baroque Ensemble and His Majestys Sagbutts and Cornetts complete the extraordinary soundscape.

Pre-concert talk: Jonathan James illustrates and discusses the programme at 6:30pm on Level 1 .