Cantores Olicanae Spring Concert - 'Ave Maria'

Ave Maria is a programme of music from 16th - 21st centuries, written in homage to the Virgin Mary. Across the ages, composers have found Mary, the mother of Jesus, to be a source of deep inspiration.

Our programme is about peace, tranquility and wonder. We include well-known pieces such as Rachmaninov's 'Bogoroditse Devo', and 'Totus Tuus' by the Polish composer Gorecki, written for the visit of Pope John Paul II to his homeland in 1987.

However, the central work is Cecilia McDowall's 'Ave Maris Stella' - 'Hail Star of the Sea'. This bears the dedication 'pro pace' (for peace) and was composed after the horrific events of September 2001 as a simple peace anthem.

All conducted by James Savage-Hanford and accompanied by Robert Sudall, who will delight the audience with an improvised solo.

Doors open at 7pm. There is free parking along Margerison Road (please be mindful, when parking, not to block the access of local residents). Tea, coffee, wine and soft drinks will be available during the interval.