MAGNIFICAT!

AMY’S FAREWELL CONCERT – 6 DECEMBER 2025

In Western sacred music, one biblical passage has been set to music more than any other. Incorporated into the liturgies of Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican and Eastern Orthodox churches, this most popular of canticles is typically sung during Advent as a lead-up to Christmas.

The text is from the Gospel of Luke. Mary, the mother of Jesus, visits her cousin Elizabeth to break the news of her pregnancy; Elizabeth praises Mary’s faith; and Mary responds with words now known as the Magnificat – ‘My soul magnifies the Lord. And my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour. For he has regarded the lowliness of his handmaiden: For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed …’. The Magnificat expresses the joy and fulfillment Mary ultimately finds in accepting a life she did not choose.

For our Christmas Concert, Musical Director Amy Moore selected three contrasting versions of the Magnificat: by Johann Rosenmüller, Arvo Pärt and Antonio Vivaldi. The three works span roughly 300 years and provide examples of enormous musical contrast. On one hand we have the exuberance, drama and virtuosity of the Baroque, with majestic block chords, overlapping suspensions, chromatic leaps and sudden and breathtaking harmonic shifts; on the other, a composition of minimalist but profound Contemporary style, with its austere yet haunting beauty of musical textures, a masterwork of deceptive simplicity.

Sadly, this was Amy’s final concert with Phoenix, as she stepped down as MD at the end of 2025. The choir were joined by four professional soloists and a string quartet for this very special event. 

Phillips Hall in Blackheath, on Saturday 6 December 2025, at 3 pm:

Johann Rosenmüller (1619–1684) Magnificat a 10 in Bb

Arvo Pärt (b 1935) Seven Magnificat Antiphons

Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) Magnificat in G Minor

Phillips Hall 6 December 2025 at 3pm