2025
Lusitano: Travels and Tributes
Vicente Lusitano was one of the most well-travelled musicians of the sixteenth century, and
the first Black composer to publish his music in Europe. In this programme, Resurgam
explores Lusitano’s travels, patrons, and influences: the opulent polyphony of the motets
dedicated to dukes and popes; the simplicity of the music composed for Protestant Stuttgart,
and the composers of previous generations who inspired him.
Resurgam is fielding an eight-voice chamber ensemble to make this fascinating journey,
joined by children’s choirs in Galway and Ennis – the choristers of St Nicholas’ Schola
Cantorum, and the Ennis Cathedral Junior Choir.
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Uniquely, Ireland can claim to be the birthplace of Handel’s Messiah, which premiered on Fishamble Street in Dublin on 13 April 1742. As Christmas approaches and Handel’s Messiah is performed all over Ireland and around the world, Music for Galway and Resurgam are determined to stage Messiah for, by and with the community of Galway next December - Galway Messiah.
For the world premiere of Handel’s Messiah in 1742, more than 700 people squeezed into Neale’s Music Hall, a venue that could comfortably fit 600. In the festive days before Christmas next year, Music for Galway and Resurgam plan to pack out Saint Nicholas’ Collegiate Church on Sunday, 14 December 2025, for Galway Messiah in the heart of Galway.
Handel’s Messiah is a major work of historic significance and world renown. People across the community in Galway will have a rare and coveted opportunity through community choir Saint Nicholas’ Singers to join Resurgam and Vespera baroque ensemble for parts of Galway Messiah.
Save The Date: Galway Messiah to be presented by Music for Galway and Resurgam in Saint Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, Galway on Sunday, 14 December 2025.
If you would like to join the St. Nicholas' Singers for this Galway Messiah, please contact Maureen Rabbitt on (087) 230 8860 or projects@resurgam.ie. Spaces are limited and will be filled on a first come, first served basis.
If you would like to contribute to Galway Messiah in any way, please contact Anna Lardi at anna@musicforgalway.ie or Linda O’Shea Farren at info@resurgam.ie.