Prelude to Holy Week: Choral and Organ Contemplations

St Andrews Madrigal Group choir
Michael Chamberlain musical director
Alan Kitchen organ

Set against the historic and acoustically rich backdrop of Glasgow Cathedral, this concert showcases the collaboration between composers from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) and the voices of the St Andrews Madrigal Group. The programme includes works for choir and organ by RCS staff and PhD composers, including Ailie Robertson, Emily Doolittle, Kenneth Tay, and Tom Wilson.

The St Andrews Madrigal Group, founded in 1946, is one of the oldest and most distinguished vocal ensembles in St Andrews. Comprising 16 student singers and entirely student-led, the group is a testament to the University of St Andrews’ rich musical tradition and creative energy. Originally focused on the performance of madrigals from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the group has since expanded its repertoire to include a wide array of choral works and contemporary compositions.

Renowned for their musical excellence, the Madrigal Group regularly performs throughout the academic year, both in St Andrews and across the UK and Europe. Recent highlights include performances at Karlskirche Vienna, Westminster Abbey, and HM Chapel Royal at Hampton Court. The group also plays a prominent role in the University of St Andrews’ ceremonial traditions, including the historic Gaudie Pier Walk and Kate Kennedy Procession.

Programme

James MacMillan A Child’s Prayer
Ailie Robertson As the rain hides the stars (world premiere)
Emily Doolittle Variation 21 flessible
Francis Poulenc II. Vinea, mea electa from Quatre motets pour un temps de pénitence
Sergei Rachmaninov V. Nyne Otpushchayeshi, VI. Bogoroditse Devo, X. Voskreseniye Khristovo videvshe from All-Night Vigil
Emily Doolittle Becoming
Tom David Wilson Locus Iste
Francis Poulenc IV. Tristis est anima mea from Quatre motets pour un temps de pénitence
Kenneth Tay Miserere mei, Deus (world premiere)
Kenneth Tay II. Sanctuary from Two Psalm Preludes
James MacMillan A New Song