Gorgeous European Motets with The Brighton Singers

On Sunday, 22nd March, The Brighton Singers are returning to St Nicholas Church with a programme titled Gorgeous European Motets. Curated by director Nicholas Houghton, the selection focuses on the development of the motet, a form of choral music that has been central to European composition for centuries. The event is designed to showcase the choir’s range, moving through different eras and styles without sticking to just one specific period of history.

The repertoire is quite varied, beginning with the Renaissance works of Orlande de Lassus from 1564 and progressing through the Baroque and Classical periods with music by Bach, Monteverdi, and Schubert. The programme also includes Brahms and moves into the 20th century with Stravinsky’s 1934 compositions. By choosing St Nicholas Church, located in the heart of Brighton, the group is making use of a space known for its clear acoustics. This is particularly useful for hearing the intricate, overlapping lines typical of these vocal works, as the architecture allows the music to carry naturally throughout the building without losing the detail of the individual voices.

Tickets for the performance are £16, and this price includes refreshments served during the interval. They have been available since 1st February, so there is plenty of time to book before the date arrives. The afternoon offers a chance to hear a local ensemble take on a demanding set of historical works in a familiar setting. It is a straightforward option for anyone looking to spend a few hours with classical choral music, providing a broad look at how these composers approached sacred and secular themes over the last four hundred years.