Run by Singers will be presenting a concert of choral music, this coming Saturday, the 18th of May at St George’s Basilica, Victoria. The RBS Chorus will be directed by Deborah Roberts.

The RBS Chorus were last in Gozo in October 2011, when they performed a concert at the Gozo Cathedral.

The music for Saturday’s performance will be – Towards the Baroque – English and Italian music from the 17th century.

“The early 17th century saw a revolution in music that started in Italy and eventually spread throughout Europe. So many popular forms that were to become the mainstream of classical music: operas, sonatas, concertos, oratorios etc. have their origins in this fascinating time of invention and experimentation before the time of Bach and Handel.

“Smaller-scale a cappella choral music from this period is wonderfully rewarding to sing and often more immediately appealing and expressive than earlier polyphony, while sharing its glorious soundworld.”

• Almighty and everlasting God, Lift up your heads (Orlando Gibbons) •

• Alleluia I heard a voice, When David heard, O Jonathan, Laboravi (Thomas Weelkes) •

• When David heard, Almighty God the fountain (Thomas Tomkins) •

• Ave virgo gloriosa (Richard Dering) • Loquebantur variis linguis ( Peter Philips) •

• Salvator Mundi, Save me O God (John Blow) • Thou knowest Lord, I was glad, Remember not Lord our offences, O God thou art my God (Henry Purcell) •

For 30 years Deborah Roberts sang with the Tallis Scholars, widely regarded as one of the finest a cappella choirs in the world. Her concerts and recordings with them involved much solo work, but Roberts has also appeared as soloist with other well-known choral groups, including the Deller Consort, London Baroque, Consort of Musicke and the English Concert.

In addition, Roberts is the founder of Musica Secreta, a small vocal group dedicated to the performance of post-Renaissance music associated with women. Roberts serves as the group’s music director and also conducts its sister ensemble Celestial Sirens, a group she also founded.

Patrons attending the Gozo concert are advised to be seated 10 minutes before the concert that is due to commence at 8.00pm. Admission is free.

Information on the Run By Singers can be found on their website.

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