In Praise of Mary:
An Incomplete Musical History of Marian Devotions

Some of the world's most beautiful choral music has been and is still being written in veneration of the Virgin Mary. Cantabile Chorale’s March concerts survey this vast repertoire. From a thousand-year-old Gregorian chant, to recently composed scores, we track the evolution of musical styles with prayers to, or in praise of, the Virgin Mary. Our selections are a window into the incredible breadth of the subject and the virtuosity and devotion of the composers who transformed their own prayers into exquisite music. 

With beloved Ave Marias by Victoria, Schubert and Rachmaninoff, Magnificats by Buxtehude and Tavener, and less well-known, but equally exciting works by local composers Frank Ferko and David Conte, this concert has to be the most beautiful “history lesson” you’ll ever hear! So join Cantabile Chorale as we travel through the ages, weaving a musical tapestry of works all inspired by one woman, the Virgin Mary.

See the detailed program below.

Join us for a preview lecture a half hour before each concert.

Tickets:

$25 general, $20 senior, $6 student
Call 650-424-1410, email info@cantabile.org, or order online

Read the program notes by artistic director Sanford Dole.

Read the biographies of the local composers on our program.

Help us get the word out! Here's a flyer (8.5x11 pdf) you can post.

See also the press release for this concert (pdf).