YORKSHIRE Bach Choir will acknowledge this year's completion of the restoration of York Minster’s Great East Window in song.
"Marking this landmark in the life of the city, we'll present music inspired by stained glass and the wider history of York in Stories in Glass: Music for the Great East Window on Saturday, February 10 at St Michael le Belfrey," says conductor Peter Seymour.
"Events depicted in the window, such as the Death of Absalom, with settings of When David Heard by Tomkins and Weelkes, and scenes from Revelation, will be included."
St Michael le Belfrey stands alongside the historic Minster building, whose Great East Window will be transported to the cathedral church's neighbour in the form of projected images, provided by the Chapter of York.
Yorkshire Bach Choir conductor Peter Seymour
"It was really fascinating to put together a programme of music which reflects such an iconic and world-class piece of art in glass," says Peter. "As well as events directly reflected in the window itself, we also perform Taverner’s Missa Sancti Wilhelmini, which is not only a really beautiful piece of renaissance polyphony but has important connections to the history of York.
"Based on the setting Christe Jesu, Pastor Bone, it was originally addressed to St William, 12th-century Archbishop of York, and has a text which includes reference to Cardinal Wolsey, who had significant connections with the city. Although, interestingly, Wolsey never made it in person to York so, unlike us, he missed out on seeing the Great East Window!"
Each half will end with a piece that sits apart from the rest of the 7.30pm programme in an unabashed celebration of the celestial. "Firstly, Harris's wonderful Faire Is The Heaven, like the Great East Window, will reach so ecstatically heavenward in luxuriant choral harmonies," says Peter.
"Finally, we will close with Wood’s ecstatic Hail, Gladdening Light. Like all great stained glass, it offers in music a depiction of the life-affirming cycles of light which are so intrinsic to the human spirit. Hopefully the whole concert will bring musical light into a gloomy February evening."
Tickets cost £14, concessions £12, on 01904 658338, at ncem.co.uk, in person from the National Centre for Early Music, in Walmgate, or on the door.
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