Hidden Messages: The Music of William Byrd
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| William Byrd (c. 1540-1623) |
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Central City Chorus
Stephen Black, Conductor
An evening featuring the Mass for Four Voices, Quomodo cantabimus for 8 voices and viols, and other sacred and secular works for voices and viols.
Central City Chorus’s second subscription series concert consists entirely of music written by the pre-eminent Renaissance composer in England, William Byrd. Though Byrd, a Roman Catholic, dutifully served the Protestant Queen Elizabeth I in the Chapel Royal for most of his life, he was continually harassed by government authorities, who suspected him of being a recusant and aiding England’s enemies. In spite of constant surveillance, he was able to write music for the clandestine worship of the Catholic Church, and additionally wrote music that contained hidden commentary on the religious and political state of affairs in Elizabethan England. Music Director Stephen Black has composed a program consisting of masterworks by Byrd that explores these themes.
Stephen M. Black is an active conductor and performer in New York City. A graduate of the Yale School of Music, he is the Director of Music at St. Joseph’s Church Yorkville on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. In April 2008 he led the church’s choral ensembles in a concert of music by Arvo Pärt, Aaron Jay Kernis, and J. S. Bach on the occasion of Pope Benedict XVI’s internationally televised visit to the parish. In addition to his positions with St. Joseph’s Church and Central City Chorus, he conducts the Brearley Singers.
Central City Chorus, one of the premiere mid-sized choruses in New York City, is in its 29th season. Currently in residence at the historic Church of St. John the Baptist in Manhattan, the Chorus performs music of all periods, from a cappella compositions to works for chorus and orchestra, with a focus on English-language music from countries around the world. This past season the Chorus, soloists, and symphony orchestra presented a critically-acclaimed performance of the Frederick Delius Requiem at Symphony Space. In 2007 Central City Chorus received the Omega Ensemble’s ‘Gift to the City’ award, given to an artist or ensemble that has made an outstanding contribution to the musical life of New York City.
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DATE & TIME:
Saturday, March 20, 2010
8 pm
PLACE:
Church of St. John the Baptist
210 West 31st Street
Manhattan
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