Toward the Dawn | Stile Antico (early music vocal ensemble)

Toward the Dawn charts a course from twilight to sunrise, echoing both the rhythms of church liturgy and the medieval experience of night, seductive and unsettling in equal measure. Taverner’s mighty Ave Dei patris filia (based on a chant for Matins) stands at the end of a delicious sequence of sacred music, chansons and madrigal, by such masters as Byrd, Lassus, Tallis and Monteverdi. Highlights include Allegri’s Miserere and Nico Muhly’s Gentle sleep, a haunting setting of words by Shakespeare written especially for Stile Antico. This programme seems particularly resonant as we look to the future with renewed hope after a long, dark year.

Stile Antico is firmly established as one of the world’s most accomplished and innovative vocal ensembles. Working without a conductor, its twelve members have thrilled audiences on four continents with their fresh, vibrant and moving performances of Renaissance polyphony. Its bestselling recordings have earned accolades including the Gramophone Award for Early Music, Diapason d’or de l’année, Edison Klassiek Award, and Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik. The group has received three Grammy® nominations, and performed live at the 60th Grammy® Awards at Madison Square Garden.