John Wilbye’s There is a jewel refers to a magic “which … makes men rich in greatest poverty, makes water wine, turns wooden cups to gold”. Orlando di Lasso’s Motet, Nuptiae factae sunt tells the story of what came to be known as Jesus’ first miracle – turning the water into wine at the marriage feast at Cana.  As we mark the 400th anniversary of William Byrd’s death, the program concludes with a madrigal and a motet referring to the magical power of music.

PROGRAM:

On the magic of love…
John Wilbye (1574–1638) I live and yet methinks I do not breathe; There is a jewel; Thou art but young
Cipriano de Rore (c.1515–65) Mon petit coeur

Mystery …
Edward Elgar (c.1553–99) Nimrod, from the Enigma Variations, arranged E.Anderson
Alexander Owens The gate of the year (first performance)
Luca Luca Marenzio (c.1553–99) Magnum haereditatis
Richard Dering (c.1580–1630) Factum est silentium

Miracles …
Luca Marenzio Tribus miraculis
Orlando di Lasso (1532–94) Nuptiae factae sunt

Ariel’s magic …
Frank Martin (1890–1974) Three Songs of Ariel

On the magic of music …
William Byrd (1543–1623) Ye sacred muses (Elegy for Thomas Tallis); Sing joyfully 

This concert will also be live streamed on ACCESS (the Australian Chamber Choir’s excellent streaming service) – Tickets HERE – $24