2021 Concerts
In 2020, we were able to share our 30th anniversary celebrations with you online and in a distanced way. We are excited and hopeful as we are now able to rehearse together and we look forward to sharing our music with you in a live setting again. With the safety, health and wellbeing of the Ensemble and our audiences in the forefront of our minds, we will continue to monitor COVID-19 guidelines and make adjustments as required.
Upcoming Performances
Melbourne Recital Centre: Josquin des Prez Memorial Series
This year marks the 500th anniversary of the death of Josquin des Prez, of whom Martin Luther said, ‘Josquin is master of the notes, which must do as he wishes; other composers must do as the notes wish.’
Wednesday, 5th May 2021
Josquin des Prez, Prince of Music
Josquin des Prez Praeter rerum seriem
(c.1450–1521) Stabat mater
Inviolata, integra, et casta es Maria
Salve regina
Regina caeli laetare
Miserere mei, Deus
The first of our two programs commemorating this Prince of Music, as he was known in the 16th century, consists of six of his greatest motets. Of these, it is no exaggeration to say that Praeter rerum seriem must be one of the most original works of all time, while Miserere mei, Deus is regarded by some as the greatest musical creation of the Renaissance, one commentator claiming it as the musical equivalent of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling.
Monday, 11th October 2021
In memoriam Josquin des Prez
Jheronimus Vinders O mors inevitabilis
(fl. 1510–1550)
Benedictus Appenzeller Musae Iovis
(c.1480/88–after 1558)
Nicolas Gombert Musae Iovis
(c.1495-c.1560)
Jachet da Mantua Dum vastos Adriae
(1483–1559)
Jean Richafort Missa pro defunctis
(c.1480–c.1547)
This program consists of five works written in Josquin’s memory shortly after his death in 1521. All four motets mention Josquin by name, while Jachet’s Dum vastos Adriae also quotes words and music from each of the six Josquin motets heard in the first program of this series. And although Richafort’s Requiem does not mention Josquin by name, it quotes extensively from his music.
Anniversaries
Woodend Winter Arts Festival Concerts
Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th June 2021
Festival favourites Ensemble Gombert will perform two daytime a cappella concerts of Anniversaries, including music by Josquin des Prez, Michael Praetorius, Stravinsky and Vaughan Williams’ Mass in G minor.
PAST CONCERTS
ENSEMBLE GOMBERT HAS BEEN PERFORMING FOR OVER 30 YEARS AS OF 2020.