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Music has always added an incomparable lustre to ceremonies, both sacred and secular. In baroque-era England, alongside religious anthems for voice and orchestra, elaborate and resplendent compositions served to enhance all manner of occasions. For example, in honour of the birthday of Queen Mary II in 1694, Henry Purcell composed the ode Come Ye Sons of Art, which features one of the finest countertenor duets ever composed. And performed for the swearing-in of the new rector of Cambridge University in 1749 was William Boyce’s ode O be Joyful in God all ye Lands, which Arion and the SMAM are performing for the first time in North America.
In collaboration with Arion Orchestre baroque
Henry Purcell (1659-1695)
Praise the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, Z. 47
William Boyce (1711-1779)
O be Joyful in God all ye Lands (Canadian Premiere)
William Hayes (1706-1777)
Sinfonia in D minor
Henry Purcell (1659-1695)
Come, Ye Sons of Art, Z. 323
Soloists, choir, and orchestra
Andrew McAnerney, musical direction
Mathieu Lussier, artistic direction