Francesco Stivori (C16th) Mass with Philip Thorby on 14th November 2026

MISSA AUDITE ME a 16 by Francesco Stivori (c.1550 – 1605)

This workshop is for voices, wind (including cornetts, sackbuts, curtals, recorders), strings (including all sizes, but larger instruments especially welcome), and continuo (figured bass). Pitch A440.

Francesco Stivori was born in Venice around1550, where he became a pupil of the celebrated organist and composer Claudio Merulo. After serving as municipal organist in Montagna (1579–1601), he was head-hunted in 1602 to become organist to Archduke Ferdinand of Inner Austria at his Graz court. The sumptuous and expressive writing of his four-choir Missa Audite Me demonstrates why Stivori was such a significant figure in the introduction of polychoral writing to Austria: it is simply glorious.

We welcome back Philip Thorby to lead this workshop in Warwick. He is well known as one of the country’s leading performers and teachers in the field of Renaissance and Baroque music.
He founded and directed the ensemble “Musica Antiqua of London” which was at the forefront of research-based performance of renaissance music, a passion he is now exploring further with professional and amateur musicians in many different contexts, including courses held each year in Venice and elsewhere.
He is Emeritus Fellow in Early Music at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, London.

Philip is particularly well known to MEMF members, having delivered many inspiring workshops. His series of 4 lectures on Venice in the early 1500s present a fascinating view of the city – with the lives of composers Ganassi and Willaert intertwined with notable names of the day. These lectures were delivered during the pandemic and can be found on our website. https://memf.org.uk/home/philip-thorby-lectures/

Timetable for the Day 
10 am:           Registration and drinks. *Please bring your own oat milk and gluten free biscuits if you need them.
10.30am;       Morning Session with a short break
1 – 2 pm:        Lunch (Bring your own or use local pubs or cafes)
3.30 approx   Tea
5.00:              Finish

Venue: St Nicholas Church, Warwick. CV34 4JD https://www.stnicholaswarwick.org.uk
St. Nicholas Church is located on the southern edge or Warwick – adjacent to St Nicholas Park and opposite the south entrance to the castle.
There is no church car park, but St Nicholas Park car park (CV34 4QY) is directly behind the church, accessed via the A425 Banbury Road. This is a ‘pay and display’ car park 7 days a week. The full day charge is £8.00. Payment is by card or the RingGo App.

Warwick station is less than 10 mins walk away. From the exit walk to the Coventry Road and turn right. At St John’s junction at the traffic lights, cross straight ahead towards St John’s Museum. Turn right into St Nicholas Church Street – the church is on the left at the end of this road.

Booking is now open until 4th November – BOOK HERE