Peasants, Penitents & Pilgrims

A performance that combines the beautiful harmonies of early religious music with the sometimes rustic humour of West European part songs will be presented in Darfield on Saturday 27 May.

Under the guidance of musical director Courtney Hickmott, Christchurch choir Schola Cantorum will sing a varied programme including songs about peasants looking for love in the fields while pilgrims and penitents praise God and seek to lead a religious life.

The Christchurch Recorder Ensemble directed by Caitlin Godfrey, which has performed as guest artists at many festivals, will also contribute.

Much of the choir's programme dates from the sixteenth century but an older religious song Congaudeant catholici (Let all Catholics rejoice together) from the 12th century is possibly the first composition to be written with more than one part.

Schola Cantorum was founded in 1987 to preserve and perform the rich tradition of Mediaeval and Renaissance music, which includes plain chant, polyphony and madrigals. Enjoy the acoustics of St Joseph's church as the choir sings unaccompanied sacred music such as Palestrina's O Crux Ave and Hassler's Dixit Maria.

Schola Cantorum will present 'Peasants, Penitents and Pilgrims' at 3pm at St Joseph's Catholic Church, Darfield. Entry will be by programme available at the door, $20 for adults (cash only); children under sixteen free.