Hei Mihi, Domine – Workshop for Voices with David Allinson on 15th March 2025

Hei Mihi, Domine – Iberian Penitential Motets.

The Music.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Join us for a day of plangently penitential motets to mark the season of Lent. For this workshop we explore music by some of the most celebrated composers of the Iberian ‘golden age’ of polyphony – Morales, Guerrero, Vivanco and Victoria – but also sing stunning motets by lesser-known composers, including Portuguese musicians Filipe de Magalhães and Aires Fernandez.

While the mood of these pieces can be anxious or gloomy, their texts focusing on sin, the Passion and the afterlife, the music is deliciously expressive and life-affirming (as every singer knows, it’s the saddest music that’s most enjoyable). Laden with suspensions and with moments of huge dramatic contrast, these mostly-unfamiliar works should offer participants a highly-rewarding day of emotionally-engrossing, technically-challenging singing.

As ever, the music list is subject to change according to forces signing up, and we especially need a strong contingent of Tenors and Basses to balance the likely strength in the upper voices. So please sign up early!

Music will be provided on the day.

The Tutor, Dr David Allinson is a freelance conductor, singer and academic with wide experience as a leader of choral workshops. His special love is Renaissance polyphony, and he has led countless workshops and singing holidays in the UK and Europe, working for every UK Early Music Forum, for organisations such as Run by Singers and for numerous private groups. He is known for his combination of scholarship, technical know-how and humorous positivity.

David has been the musical director of the Renaissance Singers (London) since 2010 and has conducted numerous other choirs including his own ensemble, Cantores. He is Honorary Vice-President of the Southern Early Music Forum. [More at www.davidallinson.com].

Venue:  https://www.stmarysstafford.org.uk

St Mary’s is situated just off the main street (Greengate Street) accessible on foot by the side of Boots Chemist or the Ancient High House. Road access (drop-off only) off Earl Street. From Stafford Station (five minutes walk): turn left then immediately right over the river bridge, straight on through pedestrian area between Stafford College and law courts into St Mary’s Place. Regular direct trains from Birmingham New St.

Please note that the church does not have its own car park. We have arranged for a limited number of parking spaces in the church close, for those with limited mobility. Please telephone or message Tim Boardman (see below) if you would like to make use of one of these spaces, and please try to car-share where possible.

Details of town car parks can be found here . The website includes a link to a map. Note that some car parks are pay-by-phone only.

Timetable for the day:

10.00              Registration and drinks

10.30              Morning session (with a short break)

1.00                Lunch: bring your own or use local pubs and cafés (easily accessible from venue)

2.00                Afternoon session

3.30 approx   Tea break

4.00                Final session

The organiser for the day is Tim Boardman – tim.boardman.tb@gmail.com or 07794 837396

Booking is now open here.