"Manifestations Old and New". The premise is one Renaissance and one modern piece for each of the 5 Epiphanies. There will also be a poem for each section
He experienced a religious awakening after the death of a close friend, and his compositions began to reflect his renewed Catholicism. Videntes Stellam translates as ‘When they saw the star’.
The wise men came from the East.
The verses of the hymn progress through the story of Jesus told in his own voice, with his life repeatedly characterized as a dance.
A voice resounded from heaven, / and the voice of the Father was heard: / “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; / hear ye Him.”
As Cana's quiet, wondrous guest / Drew richest wine from water blessed / Through trembling vow and thankful song / May glory shine, as hearts respond / To Heaven's theme / With love, / Earth's antiphon.
How holy this feast / in which Christ is our food; / his passion is recalled; / grace fills our hearts; / and we receive a pledge of the glory to come. / Alleluia.
O Radiant Dawn, Splendour of eternal Light, / Sun of Justice: / Come, shine on those who dwell in darkness / and the shadow of death. / Isaiah had prophesied, / The people who walked in darkness have seen / the great light / upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a / light has shone. / Amen.
You, Paul the Apostle, are (God's) chosen instrument, / a preacher of the truth throughout the world through whom all people came to know the grace of God. / Pray for us to God, who chose you.
Rejoice, O virgin Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the for thou hast borne the Saviour of our souls.
Mary made a pilgrimage to the temple and brought her child there, / who was seen by the aged Simeon, as the prophets had foretold. / Simeon took Jesus in his arms, and joyfully sang: (full lyrics online)
Belle Vue Cantors (Vocal ensemble)
The singers who form the “Belle Vue Cantors”, are drawn from the local area and from London, and, as you might expect from the name, (a terrible pun on “bel canto” and the name of the road where I live) have voices equally at home in the Oratorio and Opera world as in Church Music which I trust will give full emotional force to this tremendously powerful music. They first performed in 2025 and were so well received they are back with more songs for Epiphany.
Scan QR code for extended programme notes & biographies: