Firmly established as one of the world’s finest vocal ensembles, Stile Antico is renowned for their vibrant and expressive performances. In this fascinating program, these outstanding singers shine a light on an often-neglected repertoire, bringing to life women from the Renaissance through song. The 16th century saw an unprecedented number of female rulers and many of these monarchs used their patronage to facilitate the production of music of exquisite beauty by the finest composers of the day. Celebrated in this program are Margaret of Austria, who ruled as regent for the great Charles V in the Low Countries; Queen Mary of England, whose brief reign saw a revival of music for her Catholic faith; and Mary’s sister, Elizabeth I, whose coronation heralded a Golden Age for England. The century also saw the first publications of music by female composers, often Italian nuns, whose convents supported musical groups of astonishing ability.