'Authentic' 17th century concert launches exhibition

The Held in Trust exhibition at St Francis Xavier's Church in Liverpool has been launched with a sold-out concert by Cappella Fede, an ensemble led by conductor, choirmaster and musicologist Peter Leech.

The unique concert featured music composed at a time when Britain was in a state of religious turmoil and premiered several pieces of music that had not been heard in public before.  Cappella Fede is an ensemble dedicated to the performance of 17th century music on period instruments with authentic vocal resources.  The programme on July 30 included the world premiere of keyboard pieces by the Jesuit composer, Antoine Selosse, which, although they were known to have been circulating in 17th century England, have only recently been rediscovered.  Rare or neglected works by Fede, Ferreira, Sebenico, Locke and Draghi completed the performance.

Cappella Fede's debut concert took place in the presence of the Apostolic Nuncio and the Archbishop of Liverpool, as well as the British Jesuit Provinicial. Held in Trust continues until 27 September at St Francis Xavier's Church in Langsdale Street, Liverpool 3, until 27 September, with the Schola Cantorum from Stonyhurst College performing at the closing ceremony on September 25 (7.30pm, admission free).


 Cappella Fede

 St Francis Xavier's Church

 Stonyhurst College