Advent Reflections

Harmonia Sacra return to the glorious acoustics of St Thomas the Martyr, Bristol, for their annual Advent Reflections concert on Sunday November 29 at 6:00pm, an ever-popular fixture in the Bristol pre-Christmas season. Comprising our usual mix of choral music spanning five centuries, this year's event marks the birth anniversaries of Thomas Weelkes (450) and Giovanni Legrenzi (400), as well as the passing of Francesco Cavalli in 1676 and that of the little-known maestro from Vercelli Cathedral, Giovanni Ambrogio Bissone in 1726. Included with the programme will be evocative Advent antiphons by Carlotta Ferrari juxtaposed with sublime Renaissance motets by Palestrina, Balbi and others. A highlight of the concert will be the world premiere of a new work by Peter Leech - Ad te levavi - dedicated to the memory of Martin Warren, a bass and founder member of the choir who died suddenly earlier this year.