Festa Liturgica

Pierre de La Rue, Polyphonic Marian Mass and Vesper for the Court of Burgundy

Capilla Flamenca (Belgium)
Dirk Snellings – artistic director

Wednesday 27 July 2011, 8.00 pm
Convent of St. Agnes of Bohemia, St. Saviour Church, Anežská 12, Prague 1

The court of Burgundy was, at one point, an important cultural centre of Europe. At the end of July we will have a rare chance to witness a modern-time fusion of architecture and music which originated in this mountainous country of sparkling lakes and wild rivers during the period of its prime. While the side aisles of the St. Saviour Church in the St. Agnes Cloister from the latter half of the 13th century were built by the so-called Cistercian-Burgundian Works, the composer of tonight’s programme – the renowned native of Tournai in Belgium, Pierre de la Rue (cca 1452–1518) – spent most of his career at the court of Burgundy. The court was known also for its ardent worship of the Marian cult. Accordingly, the eminent Belgian ensemble Capilla Flamenca will present a programme consisting of one of de la Rue’s masses dedicated to the Virigin Mary, but also his Marian Vespers and hymns. The adjoining Chapel of St. Mary will offer an opportunity to those who might wish to spend the evening in spiritual meditation.