From Mexico with Tears: Lamentations by Padilla and López Capillas with George Parris on 12th April 2025

We welcome back George Parris to tutor this workshop, for voices and all instruments at A440 pitch.

We will explore two settings of the Lamentations of Jeremiah by outstanding composers: Juan Gutierrez de Padilla
(c. 1590-1664) and Francisco López Capillas (1608-1674). Both composers worked at the magnificent cathedral in Puebla, Mexico, where the music-loving Bishop Juan Palafox y Mendoza presided over the richest establishment of the Spanish Empire outside Spain. Their music represents a high point in the Spanish manner of sacred polyphony, exhibiting a use of voices and a tonal instability that is both remarkable and highly expressive.

Juan Gutierrez de Padilla was born in Málaga, in Old Spain, and was appointed maestro at Cádiz Cathedral in around 1616. He next appears at the Cathedral in Puebla in 1622 where he later became maestro and would spend the rest of his life.

Francisco López Capillas was born in Mexico City where he sang in the Cathedral choir and studied theology at the University. By 1641, he is found working as organist, cantor, and assistant to Juan Gutierrez de Padilla at Puebla Cathedral, but he later returned to Mexico City where he became maestro of the Catedral de México in 1654.

George Parris read Music at Cambridge University, following by a Master’s Degree at Oxford University, and then studied choral conducting and ensemble singing at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki. In 2011 he founded The Carice Singers, now a professional vocal ensemble, and works across Europe as a singer, chorus master, and conductor. His work is varied and far-reaching, from being Artistic Director of the Aurore Renaissance Music Festival in Helsinki, performing vocal works by Kaija Saariaho and Luciano Berio, and mentoring the next generation of choral composers on schemes for Cheltenham Music Festival, Spitalfields Music Festival, and the Three Choirs Festival.

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 cafes)

2.00                Afternoon session

3.30 approx Tea break

4.00               Final session

5.00               Finish

Venue   St Faith & St Laurence Church is very visible at the junction of Balden Rd & Croftdown Rd in Harborne, Birmingham, B32 2EL . There is a small amount of parking next to the church, and plenty more street parking on Croftdown Road.

The organiser is Jonathan Spencer. If, having booked, you need to cancel, please let him know on 07784 657563

Booking is now open-  book here.