A Mass for San Marco
"The Vocal consort Sestina will recreate the sounds and grandeur of a Mass for St Marks Venice.
This new and exciting group will continue their survey of music from the 17th century Italy with music by Monteverdi, Rovetta, Rigatti and Grandi. Sestina consists of six singers, who met in August 2011 to participate in the benchmark performance of Mendelssohn’s ‘Elijah’ in the Royal Albert Hall, as part of the BBC Proms concert series, conducted by Paul McCreesh. As members of the Ulster Youth Choir, (one of five youth choirs invited to participate in the event) they were so inspired by this unique occasion, that they approached Counter Tenor and teacher, Mark Chambers to continue making music at the highest possible level. Following their debut performance in December 2011, the group approached Paul McCreesh to be their Patron. On accepting this position maestro McCreesh wrote: ‘I'm really delighted to be asked to be patron of this new and exciting vocal group ; it's vitally important to encourage singers to sing in consort, and to help bridge the gap between talented students and young professionals; this group have come together as a result of Greg Beardsell's excellent work with the Ulster Youth choir, and our own Gabrieli young singers scheme; that they are coached by Mark Chambers, an outstanding Gabrieli singer and acclaimed soloist and teacher, augurs very well for an exciting future....’ Following the form of the Mass, the concert will attempt to recreate a Mass as would have been heard to celebrate the birth celebrations of Louis XIV of France in Venice in 1639. The music will contrast the sumptuous Missa Concertato by Giovanni Rovetta with more intimate vocal music by Grandi and Rigatti. The group's artistic director Mark Chambers said: “I am delighted to bring this little known music to the Island of Ireland and although I have no proof, I would not be surprised if this is the first time the Mass by Rovetta has been heard in Ireland. The music perfectly reflects the grandeur and splendour of the Basilica of St Marks, and will hopefully transport the audience also. I am delighted that the group will be joined by professional musicians Yonit Kosovske and Malachy Robinson. Yonit is a specialist historical keyboard player and will play a chamber organ which is similar to the instruments played in 1639, and Malachy will play a rare three-string double bass. Truly an aural treat. Please come along and support these young singers in what will be a memorable evening of music”