Capella Groningen under the direction of Merlijn Wackers

In an atmospheric Passion programme, Capella Groningen combines music by Arvo Pärt with polyphonic works from the Renaissance.

The contemporary 90-year-old Estonian composer Arvo Pärt developed his compositional style after thorough study of early music. Due to their tonal structure and meditative character, Pärt's compositions pair excellently with Renaissance polyphony.

The programme features Passion music for Lent. Except for Pärt's *The Deers' Cry*, all pieces are set to literal texts from the four Gospels. It opens with the Gospel of John's prologue: 'In the beginning was the Word' and progresses through key moments like the Presentation in the Temple, the Temptation in the wilderness, and Judas's betrayal, culminating in the Crucifixion and burial of Jesus. Each moment is narrated through music by Pärt or a Renaissance composer, blending works by masters such as Josquin des Prez, Victoria, Hassler, and Guerrero with lesser-known 16th-century figures like Pomponio Nenna, Annibale Zoilo, and Pedro de Christo.

A timeless blend of meditative sounds.

Tickets available at https://www.capellagroningen.nl/