Peasants, Penitents & Pilgrims

Peasants, Penitents and Pilgrims - a programme of early music,
both playful and prayerful

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 the Timaru Basilica on Sunday, August 13th.

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.

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 for more than one vocal 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 the Basilica 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 2pm on
Sunday, August 13th at Sacred Heart Basilica, 7 Craigie Avenue, Parkside,
Timaru. Entry will be by programme available at the door, $20 for adults
(cash only) and under eighteen is free.

This concert is made possible with the assistance of the Creative
Communities Scheme and the Timaru District Council.