400 years after his death in 1625, this concert celebrates Gibbons’ life and work in a building which held particular family significance for the composer.
Gibbons, organist of Westminster Abbey and the Chapel Royal, was also a parishioner of St Margaret’s and his seven children were all baptised in the church. Illustrating his standing as one of the most renowned Tudor composers, the programme includes some of his finest church anthems and organ music, as well as a madrigal with words by Sir Walter Raleigh, who lies buried beneath the altar of St Margaret’s, and perhaps his most famous work, The Silver Swan.
The concert is performed by The St Margaret’s Consort – the professional vocal ensemble which provides choral music for the many high-profile services which take place in St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey. The Consort is conducted by Greg Morris, Director of Music at St Margaret’s.