Contrapunctus: Victoria in Rome and Madrid

Oxford’s renowned early-music consort Contrapunctus traces the career of Tomás Luis de Victoria across two great centres of Renaissance music: Rome and Madrid. At the heart of the programme is Victoria’s exquisite Missa Surge propera, framed by motets by Victoria and his Roman contemporary Palestrina, illuminating the composer’s formative years in the papal city. The second half turns to Madrid, where Victoria spent his later career, placing his music alongside that of Philippe Rogier, a leading figure at the Spanish court.

Join us for a programme that explores the stylistic richness, devotional intensity, and international influences that shaped one of the most expressive voices of the late Renaissance

‘Seriously, startlingly good’ – Gramophone

‘Superb singing’ – The Observer

‘The singers shape each piece lovingly. Impeccable.’ – The Sunday Times

Programme

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina
Assumpta est Maria
Nigra sum

Tomás Luis de Victoria
Missa Surge propera
Salve regina
Asperges me
Pange lingua

Philippe Rogier
Caligaverunt oculi mei
Inclina cor meum
Cantantibus organis

Alonso Lobo
Versa est in luctum