Polyphony & Prejudice: Music by Vicente Lusitano
Saturday, February 17, 8:00 pm
St. Thomas Aquinas University Parish
401 Alderman Road, Charlottesville
Friday, February 23, 7:30 pm
Cove Presbyterian Church
5531 Covesville Lane, Covesville
On Saturday, February 17, and Friday, February 23, Zephyrus Early Music Vocal Ensemble presents “Polyphony & Prejudice: Music by Vicente Lusitano.” Lusitano was one of the most talented composers of the early 16th century, and he needed to be, for as a composer of mixed race in Renaissance Portugal he faced many challenges. He was unable to hold any position within the church (despite being ordained) and made a living as a teacher, giving lessons to children of the nobility and publishing several well-regarded treatises on music. He traveled with the Portuguese ambassador to Rome, where a collection of his motets was printed in 1551, the first-known publication of music by a Black composer. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear this gorgeous but little-known a cappella vocal music for 4 to 8 voices.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, and $5 for students and are available through our website, www.zephyrus-va.org, or with cash or check at the door. Admission to the February 23 performance is by donation only. Both venues are handicap accessible.
Zephyrus is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and performance of music from the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque eras, directed by Megan Sharp.