YORKSHIRE Bach Choir begin their 2016/2017 concert series with Renaissance Unchained at St Michael le Belfrey, York, on October 29.

"Our opening concert showcases the variety and depth of music across Europe during the Renaissance with music by Byrd, Sweelinck, Lassus, Palestrina and Victoria," says conductor Peter Seymour. "Challenging the idea that Renaissance musical innovation was centred exclusively in Italy, it includes music from Spain, the Low Countries and our own Isles.

"We unlock the mysteries of William Byrd’s intriguing Mass for Five Voices, which was secretly performed in the private chapels of devout English Catholics during the turbulence of the late 16th century. Italy will not be ignored in our tour of Europe as we perform Palestrina’s plangent, suspension-filled setting of the Stabat Mater for double choir."

Next Saturday's 7.30pm concert features in the Illuminating York festival. "We're pleased that our singing will once again be part of the magical atmosphere across the city on evenings of the festival," says Peter. "This year's festival makes a particular focus of some of York’s greatest religious spaces, including York Minster and the adjacent St Michael le Belfrey, which is the home of our concert series. Illuminations on the exterior of St Michael le Belfrey promise to be complemented by tranquil choral sounds inside."

York Press:

Conductor Peter Seymour

Looking ahead to the new season, Peter says: "Another action-packed year starts with a concert which showcases the sheer variety of Renaissance music and compositional styles which choirs like Yorkshire Bach Choir can get their teeth into. Over the rest of the season, we hope you can join us for a year of music brimming with inspiration, excitement and history.

"Highlights coming up include our Bach At Christmas concert on Saturday, December 10 at the Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall as part of the York Early Music Christmas Festival. Tickets are already selling strongly for this concert so book early to avoid disappointment."

On March 18 next year, the choir will perform Bach’s monumental Mass in B minor at St Michael le Belfrey. "Both upcoming concerts will feature outstanding soloists, some drawn from within the ranks of the choir, accompanied by the wonderful Yorkshire Baroque Soloists,” adds Peter.

Tickets for Renaissance Unchained are on sale at £14, concessions £12, at bit.ly/YBRenaissance, on 01904) 658338, at ncem.co.uk, in person from the National Centre for Early Music or on the door. More details on the 2016/2017 season can be found at bit.ly/YBC2016-17.