Polifemy, directed by Robyn Mellor, is a women’s vocal ensemble established in 2008 to explore music written and performed a capella by nuns in the 15th and 16th centuries. With over 30 concerts presented since that time, the ensemble is known for its innovative programming, excellent singing and informed attention to musical style. The ensemble is delighted to be invited back to St Andrew’s Anglican Church in Braidwood, to celebrate both St Andrew’s Day and the first day of Advent.
The Advent tradition of lighting candles on the four Sundays leading up to Christmas encourages a focus on Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. Polifemy has crafted a program that reflects the focus of each candle: Hope, or the Prophecy candle that foretells the birth of Jesus, the Peace or Bethlehem Candle that refers to his birth, the Joy or Gaudete Candle of celebration and rejoicing, and finally, the Love or Angel’s Candle. This program of motets written between 1500 and 1650 by composers such as Francisco Guerrero, Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, John Taverner and Thomas Tallis, takes you on a Christmas journey, from the Angel Gabriel speaking to the Virgin Mary, to the scenes in the manager and on the hilltops, and celebrations by angels and kings. They invite you to a joyous concert of uplifting music!
