Musica Sacra’s March concert will illuminate the commonalities between Renaissance polyphony and shape-note singing. Both employ a steady pulse, a harmonic language of open fifths and fourths with few thirds, an absence of leading tones, the use of solfège as a compositional tool, and an abundant use of fugues. Come hear a musical tapestry of the movements of Josquin’s oft-overlooked Missa La Sol Fa Re Mi interspersed with original shape-note compositions by Leah Velleman and arrangements by Carol Barnett.

Program:

Josquin, Missa La Sol Fa Re Mi
Original shape-note compositions by Leah Velleman
Arrangements by Carol Barnett

About the guest conductor:
Lorraine Fitzmaurice is a Boston-based conductor who uses singing ensembles and large performance projects to build community and increase access to classical music. Born and raised in Billerica, MA, Lorraine has degrees from Cornell University and the Zürcher Hochschüle der Künste. In summer of 2017, she founded Quorum Boston, an LGBTQ vocal ensemble dedicated to queering the classical music canon and showcasing the work of living, local queer composers. Lorraine was the founding director of the Longwood Chorus, and has worked with organizations and ensembles like Kithara Project, the Boulder Opera Company, and Carduus Choir. Lorraine has a passion for community music making, from baby and caregiver lap-music to musicals with senior citizens. She is especially thrilled for the chance to work with Musica Sacra, and hopes you enjoy the concert.