New stretch target
This would enable us to send complimentary copies of the finished CD to concert promoters, venues and festivals around the world, which could lead to performances where you are!
Help us raise funds for our third recording, bringing to life the glorious but neglected music of Renaissance composer Matthias Werrecore.
by Siglo de Oro in London, England, United Kingdom
This would enable us to send complimentary copies of the finished CD to concert promoters, venues and festivals around the world, which could lead to performances where you are!
Our aim
We would like to bring to life the neglected music of Renaissance composer Matthias Werrecore. We are incredibly grateful for any support, no matter the size, and have some ways to thank you for supporting this project which you can see listed on this page.
'Siglo de Oro’s members sing with passion and refinement.' The Sunday Times
Why record the music of Werrecore?
Matthias Werrecore was maestro di cappella at Milan Cathedral from 1522 to 1550. In his lifetime he was highly regarded, but his music has been neglected for centuries. We started exploring his motets about a year ago, and we were immediately convinced of their high quality. It seemed obvious that we should try to bring Werrecore's music to the wider public by means of a recording.
What's on the disc?
To go alongside six wonderful and varied motets by Werrecore, we've assembled a selection of pieces by his contemporaries. These composers, who are all connected to Milan and Werrecore in some way, include famous names such as Josquin des Prez but also lesser-known figures like Gaspar van Weerbeke.
Why are you fundraising?
The total budget for the project is around £15,000. Thanks to the generosity of 25 individual donors, and grants from the Gemma Trust and the Angel Early Music, we are close to our total. We are now asking our wider supporter base, and lovers of early music in general, for their help in covering the final costs of the project.
Siglo de Oro
'Here is a choir in which all the elements are held in perfect equilibrium. Patrick Allies ponders every note before moulding lines whose suppleness in turn coalesce into breathing, organic whole… A beautifully recorded, aristocratically executed disc. Siglo de Oro has struck gold!' BBC Music Magazine
Siglo de Oro is a professional vocal ensemble dedicated to bringing unusual and neglected music to life. The group made its professional debut in 2014 at the Spitalfields Festival, of which the Financial Times said: ‘Siglo de Oro, under the assured direction of Patrick Allies, performed with vivacity and poise’. Since then, the group has given concerts at St John’s Smith Square and the Barber Institute, performed live on BBC Radio 3’s In Tune, and taken up invitations to give concerts in Belgium, the Netherlands, Finland and Malta.
The group has made two recordings with Delphian Records, both to critical acclaim. The first, released in 2016, was made a Christmas Choice by BBC Music Magazine, and called 'a debut with a difference... a novel, ungimmicky project, vividly executed’, while Gramophone described it as 'so invigorating... this one hits you with its character and depth’. The group’s second disc, featuring the world premiere recording of a mass by Hieronymus Praetorius, was released in March 2018 to outstanding reviews. BBC Music Magazine awarded it five stars, made it Choral and Song Album of the Month. The disc was placed on the longlist for the 2019 BBC Music Magazine Awards.
Thank you
Thank you for taking the time to read our page. Please consider making a pledge, and also spreading the word on social media. If you have any questions about the project and would like to get in touch, please email [email protected].
This project offers rewards in return for your donation. Please select a reward below.