Tredegar Band has announced that they will be performing alongside the acclaimed Palestrina Singers for its forthcoming Thomas Tallis inspired concert in Llandaff Cathedral on May 19th.

The event will see the world premiere of a brass band arrangement of 'Spem in Alium' — the remarkable 40 part motet written by Tallis in 1570 — a work described as his 'crowning achievement'.

Critical acclaim

The Palestrina Singers are a chamber choir from Cardiff University. Originally formed in 2009 as a vocal octet, the group has gained critical acclaim for its exploration of choral church music of the renaissance by composers like Byrd, Palestrina and Tallis.

They have also expanded their repertoire to include the music of 20th century composers such as Morten Lauridsen and Gabriel Faure. The group has performed all over the UK and is led by choral conducting star Tom Lazell.

The Palestrina Singers will complement Tredegar's programme with works from the English maestro and his contemporaries, such as Tallis' beautiful four-part anthem 'If Ye Love Me', William Byrd's 'Ave Verum' and Palestrina's 'Sicut Cervus'.

Delighted

Tredegar MD, Ian Porthouse told 4BR: "We are delighted to be joined by the Palestrina Singers for what promises to be an evocative concert in a magnificent setting.

'Spem in Alium' is one of the most beautiful choral works ever written, and transcribes wonderfully for brass. It will provide the centre-piece for a concert that we hope will bring a different dimension to the traditional concert combination of brass and voice."

The event will see the world premiere of a brass band arrangement of 'Spem in Alium' — the remarkable 40 part motet written by Tallis in 1570 — a work described as his 'crowning achievement'4BR

Time, place and tickets

The concert takes place at Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff on Saturday May 19th at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available on the door or via the band website at: http://tredegar.band/events/speminalium