Sunday 11th May
Mayfield Parish Church
7.30pm
CLOSING CONCERT
This concert is sold out but there are tickets available at £10 for the afternoon rehearsal commencing 2.45pm.
Monteverdi - Vespers (1610)
Mayfield Festival Choir
The Josephine Baker Scholars from the RCM (London)
Canzona (director – Theresa Caudle)
Graham Caldbeck (conductor)
The Mayfield Festival Choir under their director Graham Caldbeck brings the 2008 Festival to a glorious conclusion with a performance of Monteverdi’s monumental Vespers.
The Vespers, written in honour of the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary were written while Monteverdi was choirmaster to the Duke of Mantua. The work was dedicated to Pope Paul V and it is likely that it was written with the intention of impressing him or another patron. By transforming the ordinary liturgical text into a lavish procession of virtuosic solos, ensembles and majestic choruses, Monteverdi created a masterpiece unparalleled in its scale, opulence and diversity. He was subsequently rewarded in 1613 with the prestigious appointment of maestro di cappella at the Basilica of St. Mark’s, Venice.
It is possible that the Vespers formed an intrinsic part to Monteverdi’s bid for this post, making it one of the most elaborate job applications ever submitted. What is certain is that this exhilarating work is one of the great landmarks of western music.
Sponsored by Highfields Farm
Highfields is a mixed arable, sheep and beef enterprise of 1000 acres. Although modern farming methods are used, the natural environment is being enhanced by a mixture of schemes set up with specialist agencies, including the restoration of ancient woodlands, hedgerows, ponds and grass meadowlands.
Highfields has an established herd of accredited pedigree Sussex cattle and a cross-bred flock of sheep designed to produce the highest quality meat by natural methods, the antithesis of modern intensive farming.
Simon Tindall
Highfields Farm, Lake Street, Mayfield, East Sussex.
Telephone (01435) 872417
Tickets £24, £16, £8
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