Pennine Singers Christmas Concert
O Sapientia
Music of hope, wisdom and light
At the heart of this concert are two works on the same theme written over 800 years apart by two women – Hildegard of Bingen and Margaret Rizza.
Both works are addressed to Sapientia, meaning ‘wisdom’ in Latin. Here, wisdom is portrayed as powerful, all embracing and female.
The Hildegard work, written in the twelfth century, is a line of seamless melody (plainchant) that dips and soars to reflect divine wisdom’s presence everywhere. Margaret Rizza’s version, written in 2007, is both ancient and modern at the same time, a moving combination of contemplation and awe.
We’ll also hear seasonal favourites, including the traditional Adam lay-y bounden, Howells’ Here is the Little Door, Macmillan’s O Radiant Dawn and Tavener’s The Lamb.
The Pennine Singers promise you an afternoon of beautiful music that celebrates the light and hope that Christmas brings.
Sunday 6th December, 2026, 4.30pm
Christ Church, Friezland OL3 7LQ
One of the great “O Antiphons”
Tickets are available on the door – £10 (under 18s free).
Light refreshments will be available.