Hymne à la Vierge

Concert in aid of the Collégiale Notre-Dame de Semur-en-Auxois by the Ensemble La Sportelle: Spanish Renaissance polyphony and contemporary reflections.

For centuries, the figure of the Virgin Mary has inspired the greatest composers, giving rise to some of the most moving works in the choral repertoire. This programme, imagined and directed by Owain Park, takes us on a journey to the heart of classical music, with moments of gentleness, intensity and wonder. Buoyed by the beauty of the voices of Ensemble la Sportelle and the richness of the harmonies, this evening is an invitation to hear the treasures of choral singing. A concert where music becomes prayer. A moment of emotion and sharing, inviting you to elevate your inner self while offering an accessible and luminous experience, a moment of pleasure and serenity for all music lovers.

Since its creation in 2017, Ensemble la Sportelle has established itself as a singular voice in the sacred music landscape. A variable-geometry ensemble of 9 to 24 singers, it explores both the a cappella repertoire and the great oratorios, sometimes accompanied by organ or instrumental ensembles. Anchored in Rocamadour in the Lot region, a major pilgrimage site for thousands of years, the ensemble draws its inspiration from this exceptional setting, adopting the name of 'La Sportelle', the almond-shaped medal given to pilgrims as a symbol of Rocamadour's age-old influence.