Songs of Farewell

We are presented with a programme that spans five centuries of choral history, anchored by Hubert Parry’s Songs of Farewell. These works represent a pinnacle of the English choral tradition, written as a response to the profound losses of the First World War. You will hear how Parry uses complex layering of voices to explore themes of mortality and peace. This historical weight is contrasted with the Renaissance polyphony of Palestrina’s Missa Sicut lilium inter spinas, where the music follows a strict yet flowing architectural logic. Adding a modern perspective, the inclusion of Caroline Shaw’s Companion Planting brings a fresh approach to vocal texture. As you listen, we suggest noticing how the evening balances these disparate eras. The transition from the structured clarity of the 16th century to the more personal, expansive harmonies of the early 20th century highlights the versatility required of the vocalists. The sequence is designed to show how different generations have used the human voice to process deep emotion and spiritual reflection.

The BBC Singers are the ensemble for this performance, directed by conductor Krista Audere. As a professional chamber choir based in London, they are widely recognised for their technical precision and their ability to move seamlessly between early music and challenging contemporary commissions. Krista Audere brings her experience in choral leadership to this specific programme of sacred and secular works. The ensemble is known for its versatility and regularly performs at major venues and festivals across the United Kingdom, maintaining a reputation for clarity and expressive range in a wide variety of acoustic settings.

The performance takes place at St Martin in the Fields, located in central London. With a scheduled duration of 120 minutes, this concert provides a full evening of choral music. The venue is a historic church with a resonant acoustic that is particularly suited to the unaccompanied vocal works on this programme. Given the length and the variety of the music, it is an appropriate choice if you are looking for a comprehensive introduction to the choral tradition or if you are a regular listener of the BBC Singers. There is no specific dress code mentioned for this event.