In the lead up to Christmas, the Geelong Chorale presents a selection of music from the extraordinary wealth of choral repertoire inspired by the Virgin Mary.
Ever since the early centuries of Christian history, the Virgin Mary has played a significant role in worship. Over time, feast days dedicated to her began to appear in the church calendar, and to celebrate such feasts, more and more elaborate Marian music was composed. The 13th & 14th centuries saw a period of especially intense devotion to Mary and she became a popular subject of paintings and poetry, too, often being likened to a rose. The Reformation in England brought a pause to the singing of Marian music but in other catholic and orthodox countries, she continued to be honoured. Popular devotion to the Virgin was also given new impetus by a number of miraculous apparitions during the 19th century. Mary has provided a marvellous legacy of music. In reality, we know so little about her but she has given inspiration and solace to many.
The Geelong Chorale will present Marian music from the past five centuries, including works by Palestrina, Victoria, Rachmaninov, Bruckner, Howells, Lauridsen and Biebl.
Saturday 30th November 2024 at 5pm
All Saints’ Anglican Church
Noble Street
Newtown
Admission: $35/ $30 / Under 18 free