November 2, 2004
Contact: Susan Gwynne
(805) 893-2098
e-mail: gwynne-s@sa.ucsb.edu

British a cappella superstars The Tallis Scholars to sing special Christmas program at All Saints by the Sea Episcopal Church

Summary Facts:

• The Tallis Scholars
• Leading exponents of Renaissance scared music
• Chamber Music in Historic Sites® concerts
• Saturday, December 4
• 3 & 5 pm / All Saints by the Sea Episcopal Church, 83 Eucalyptus Lane, Montecito
• General: $40 / UCSB students: $15
• Tickets/information: UCSB Arts & Lectures at (805) 893-3535

The Tallis Scholars, the acclaimed English a cappella choir, will twice perform a special Christmas program on Saturday, December 4 at 3 & 5 pm at All Saints by the Sea Episcopal Church, 83 Eucalyptus Lane, Montecito. These concerts are Chamber Music in Historic Sites® events. This ensemble, directed by Peter Phillips, is one of the leading exponents of Renaissance sacred music and its program will include a Christmas mass by Palestrina. The Boston Globe claims, “To hear them perform is one of the great live music experiences of our time, for in many respects, they perform at a level approaching perfection. Moreover, the splendid musicality and gorgeous sound of the group add a positively mystical aspect to a concert.”

Founded in 1973 by Peter Phillips, The Tallis Scholars explore the depth and variety of Renaissance sacred music. Renowned for its purity and clarity of sound, the group gives 80 concerts a year around the globe. One of The Tallis Scholars’ career highlights was a 1994 performance in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel to mark the final stages of the complete restoration of Michelangelo’s famous frescoes. The group records exclusively for Gimell Records; its catalog extends to over 35 recordings. Their recording of Palestrina’s Missa Assumpta est Maria and Missa Sicut lilium was awarded Gramophone magazine’s Early Music Award 1991. In 1994 their recording of music by Cipriano de Rore received both Gramophone’s Early Music Award and the Gramophone/Classic FM People’s Choice Award.

In 1973 Oxford graduate Peter Phillips brought together choral scholars from the Oxford and Cambridge Chapel Choirs to form The Tallis Scholars. Besides his work with The Tallis Scholars, Peter Phillips publishes The Musical Times and contributes a regular music column to The Spectator. Phillips has made numerous television and radio broadcasts, including a major South Bank Show television documentary aired in 1990 in which the viewer is taken on a personal odyssey through the sacred Renaissance repertoire with The Tallis Scholars as the major musical interpreters.

The Tallis Scholars return to Santa Barbara after a sold-out Christmas concert on December 14, 2001 at Our Lady of Sorrows Church. The ensemble’s program at that performance included works by Tallis, Parsons and Praetorius.

All Saints by the Sea Episcopal Church, designed by architect Arthur B. Benton, was constructed in 1900. An excellent example of California Craftsman style architecture in the Bay Region Tradition of the early 20th century, this exquisite church features a beautiful combination of redwood shingle and stone. It will provide an inspiring setting for The Tallis Scholars’ vocal artistry.

Historian Christine Palmer will present an informal architectural chat prior to each concert and attendees will be invited to take part in a reception with the artists at both shows.

These concerts are the second of three performances in UCSB Arts & Lectures’ 2004-2005 performing arts season held in conjunction with the distinguished Los Angeles-based Chamber Music in Historic Sites.® This partnership allows Arts & Lectures to travel to unique and intimate environments to celebrate the experience of music in sacred, social and architectural contexts.

UCSB Arts & Lectures presents the Tallis Scholars by agreement with Chamber Music in Historic Sites®—a nationally licensed series, Dr. MaryAnn Bonino, president and founder. Thanks to the Pearl Chase Society for its support and to KCBX Public Radio for sponsoring this concert. Tickets are $40 for the general public and $15 for UCSB students.

For tickets or more information,
call UCSB Arts & Lectures at (805) 893-3535.

Editor: For photos, please call
Susan Gwynne at (805) 893-2098.