St James Priory - opening concert

Exultate Singers conducted by David Ogden

This concert marks the opening of St James’ Priory after its £3.5 million renovation and repair. The first half of the programme explores the influence of St James as a fisherman, an apostle and patron saint of Spain through the performance of sumptuous and evocative motets by the Renaissance Spanish composers Victoria, Lobo and Guerrero.

St James’ Priory is Bristol’s oldest building, founded in 1137. The second half of the concert is made up of a selection of choral pieces illustrating key moments in the history of Bristol from the 12th century to the present day: the founding of an Augustine abbey, now Bristol Cathedral; Cabot discovering America; the visit of Elizabeth I; the slave trade, merchants and sea travel; John Wesley and Bristol Zoo.

Come and experience the rebirth of this wonderful building, an architectural gem in the heart of Bristol, as it resonates with music through the ages performed by Bristol’s accomplished chamber choir, Exultate Singers.

Programme includes:

Gaudeamus omnes in Domino Gregorian plainchant
Ascendente Iesu in naviculam De Wert
O lux, et decus Hispaniae Infantas
Laudete Dominum Guerrero
Duo seraphim Guerrero
Versa est in luctum Lobo
O lux, et decus Hispaniae Victoria
Ave Maria Victoria
Magnificat a 6 toni Victoria
Ten Thousand Miles Away Traditional sea shanty
The Star of Belle Isle Traditional arr Neaum
Her Sacred Spirit Soars Whitacre
O Metaphysical Tobacco East
Steal Away Trad arr Tippett
Si iniquitates observaveris Samuel Wesley
Crossing the bar Parry
We will remember them David Ogden
Dockside Dreaming Hawthorne/Rusbridge
And when the builders Carpenter
Be still my soul Jean Sibelius

Date

Saturday 1st October 2011 at 7.30pm

Venue

St James' Priory, Whitson Street, Haymarket, Bristol BS1 3NZ

Tickets

Adults £15
Concessions £13
Students in full time education £5
Under 18s £2

There are still some tickets available for tonight's concert. They will be on sale on the door from 7pm (cash or cheque only)

St James Priory

Images from St James Priory following its restoration © Christopher Gray 2011. Click on the image to see more photographs