The Marian Consort

Across their fifteen years together, the Marian Consort has amassed an international reputation for their "astounding" performances and ensemble sound. (The Herald) This fall, the youthful choir brings its innovative performance of medieval and renaissance music to Durham for their Duke Arts debut. Under the direction of Scottish conductor, countertenor and musicologist Rory McCleery, the Marian Consort has released fourteen albums and premiered thirty new compositions, receiving praise for the "precision and pellucid texture" of their sound. (The Times)
Their program, featuring the works of the 16th-century Portuguese musician and theorist Vicente Lusitano, illumines the work of this musical master who was probably the first published composer of African descent. Drawing from their award-winning 2023 album, Vicente Lusitano: Motets, the Marian Consort contrasts Lusitano's work with those of his European colleagues and sometime-enemies, showing this once-neglected composer is worthy of such a modern revival.