Our next concert dates are May 9 & 10, 2025. Details coming soon!
O Queen of Heaven
Visions of the Virgin Mary
February 21 & 22, 2025
Join Vox Lucens as we explore a selection of motets from the Franco-Flemish school that honor and celebrate Mary, mother of Jesus. Polyphony – independent lines of melody from each of the vocal parts – suffuses all of the pieces in this Renaissance collection from the 15th and 16th centuries, with moods ranging from peacefully reflective to exuberantly celebratory.
Suggested donation of $25 ($20 students and seniors) accepted at the door.
Friday February 21, 8:00PM
St. Peter's Episcopal Church
838 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA
Saturday February 22, 8:00PM
St. Anne's in-the-Fields Episcopal Church
147 Concord Rd
Lincoln, MA
Selected Highlights
Gaude Virgo Mater Christi
Josquin des Prez
Translation: Rejoice, Virgin Mother of Christ
​In his day, theologian Martin Luther was a Josquin superfan. “He is the master of the notes,” Luther gushed. “They must do as he wills.” As a shining example, Josquin gives the notes in “Gaude” an urgent message to deliver: “Rejoice!” And in response, the vocal parts echo, intertwine, and race each other in an energetic case for celebration. Alleluia!
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Sub Tuum Praesidium
Jehan l'Héritier
Translation: Under Your Protection
How do you bring new life to text that’s been in use for over 1000 years? That must have been l'Héritier’s puzzle, since this is one of the earliest known Marian prayers, dating back to at least the 5th century. His interpretation is an ethereal one, with soaring lines and shining vocal color. Vox Lucens is especially pleased to be sharing this arrangement by former director, Jay Lane.
Beata es, Maria
Jacob Obrecht
Translation: Blessed are you, Mary
With so many texts and melodies celebrating Mary, it can be hard to choose between them. In this motet, Obrecht elegantly weaves together three: (1) a then-popular Italian devotional tune, (2) texts from the Litany, and (3) a beloved Ave Maria. Each strand complements and elevates the others, making a whole that truly exceeds the sum of its parts.