The programme is a tour of joyful music of sixteenth century Europe, celebrating Mary as Queen of Heaven, with settings of the texts "Regina coeli laetare', 'Ave Regina coelorum' and 'Benedicta es coelorum regina'. Along with motets by Josquin, Guerrero, Lobo and Gabrieli, we will perform an extraordinary and unjustly forgotten mass by the Flemish composer Philippe de Monte, who befriended William Byrd on a visit to England and was one of the most influential musicians of his generation. The music of the mass is based on a then famous motet by Josquin, which will also be performed, as well as the plainchant for each of the texts. There is a buoyancy and vigour about all of this music, and also great contrapuntal invention.
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