Vox Luminis: Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610

Founded in 2004 by Artistic Director Lionel Meunier, the award-winning ensemble Vox Luminis is internationally celebrated for its “unique DNA”—a distinctive, luminous timbre that defines its performances of 16th to early 18th-century English, Italian, and German masterpieces. The group’s versatility allows it to shift seamlessly from intimate solo productions to the expansive Vox Luminis XL, featuring up to 40 singing voices and a full orchestra, all driven by a shared commitment to musical excellence and historical discovery.

The ensemble’s artistry has earned them the industry’s highest honors, including two Gramophone Awards: “Recording of the Year” in 2012 for Schütz’s Musikalische Exequien and the 2019 Choral Award for Buxtehude’s Abendmusiken. Their trophy cabinet also includes the BBC Music Magazine Choral Award, several Diapasons d’Or, and the prestigious Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik. These accolades have paved the way for performances at the world’s most iconic venues, ranging from Wigmore Hall and Lincoln Center to the Berlin Philharmonie and the Salzburg Festival.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024, Vox Luminis marked the milestone with a commemorative CD box set and a high-profile world premiere in collaboration with Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw. Today, the ensemble continues to thrive through a deep artistic partnership with the Freiburger Barockorchester and maintains residences at Concertgebouw Brugge and the Abbaye Musicale de Malonne, with the continued support of the French Community of Belgium.

Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610

Claudio Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610 (Vespro della Beata Vergine) is a landmark of early Baroque music, renowned for its massive scale and innovative blending of traditional Renaissance techniques with modern operatic styles. Monteverdi published the work in Venice in 1610 while still serving the ducal court in Mantua. He dedicated the collection to Pope Paul V, likely using it as a “musical calling card” to help secure a prestigious new position.

• Musical Diversity: The work is celebrated for its incredible variety, blending traditional Gregorian plainsong (the cantus firmus) with modern, virtuosic Baroque techniques.
• Grand Scale: It requires substantial performing forces, including seven soloists, a choir that often divides into up to ten parts, and an orchestra featuring instruments like violins and cornetti.
• Structure: The collection includes 13–14 movements, featuring psalm settings, non-liturgical motets (concerto), a hymn, and two versions of the Magnificat.
• Intimate yet Grand: While a sacred work, it incorporates sensual settings of texts from the Song of Solomon, creating a unique mix of public grandeur and private devotion.

Adult $25

Senior $20

Student (non-WFU) $15

Child $10

WFU and Medical School Students, Faculty, Staff and Retirees – Free Pre-registration encouraged

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Ticket prices include all applicable taxes and fees.

Please check back to see if a pre-concert talk will be offered.