In the suitably baroque splendour of the Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford Pro Musica Singers is delighted to present two colossi of the baroque repertoire: Bach’s Magnificat and Handel’s Dixit Dominus.

Bach’s 1723 setting of Mary’s canticle of praise and thanksgiving is especially lavish and celebratory, featuring an extended choir of five voices, five soloists and liberal use of trumpets and drums. Despite its obvious exuberance, however, Bach is sensitive to the quieter accents of the text, and it also features beautifully tender moments of word-painting enhanced by his skilled use of flutes and oboes. This grand work deploys a multicoloured musical palette that cannot fail to move and excite the listener.

This is paired with Handel’s sparkling 1707 setting of Psalm 110, one of the ‘royal psalms’, which he delivers with his customary melodiousness, rhythmic energy and textural variation. This vivacious work was written during Handel’s time in Rome, 35 years before Messiah (1742), and shows off all his youthful brilliance.

Joining forces once again with Oxford’s professional period ensemble, Instruments of Time & Truth, this scintillating programme will doubtless illuminate an October evening. Do come and join!

Tickets are on sale through the TicketSource website.

Do book early for the best choice of seats!

£15-45, 50% discount under 25s

£15 – £45