Sion Deserta Est - A Concert by the Luceat Choir

for 2 hours
Clare, St Peter & St Paul
High Street Clare Suffolk, CO10 8NY, United Kingdom

(‘Luceat translates as shine, which is just what this choir does’, Organist’s Review 2021 5*)

In this programme of sixteenth-century polyphony, the up-and-coming Luceat Choir surveys the profound and sublime output of the English Reformation Catholic composers.
This survey is most aptly consolidated in the music of William Byrd, in the year of his 400th anniversary. His music perfectly articulates the turbulence of the period, whilst simultaneously demonstrating a remarkable technical balance of nostalgia and forward looking.
The programme takes in the opportunity to explore his more cosmopolitan connections, notably with Clemens non Papa.

There can be no finer venues to encounter this sublime repertoire than the stunning architecture of Suffolk’s mighty wool churches, themselves possessing many remarkable survivors of Reformation iconoclasm.
We look forward to welcoming you.

Conductor: James Fellows
Organist: Daniel Mathieson

Regina coeli Plainchant
Regina coeli Robert White
‘Gloria’ from Missa Salve Intermata Thomas Tallis
Salve Regina Plainchant
Ave Maria Robert Parsons
Lamentation a5 Robert White
Tristitia et anxietas Clemens non Papa
Tristitia et anxietas William Byrd
Assumpta est maria William Byrd
Alleluia, Assumpta est Maria Plainchant
Ego Flos campi Clemens non Papa
Ne irascaris, Domine-Civitas sancti tui William Byrd

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Stoke by Clare, St John the Baptist

Set back from Tudor houses in the historic village street, this is a lovely medieval building with castellated tower, nave and aisles and the Elwes Chapel on the north side.

What's special?

Rare wall painting uncovered in 1948, thought to have been a reredos for the south aisle altar but covered up by the Ten Commandments in the Reformation. It features Christ on a rainbow with God above, St Peter with his keys led by the Virgin Mary, and the Seven Deadly Sins including Gula the drunkard escorting the souls of the damned into the jaws of hell. The hairstyles are late medieval Flemish.

How old is it?

Between 1124 and 1415, the church was part of a Benedictine Monastery. The monks were responsible for Stoke College and for diverting the River Stour to its present course. This would have been the priory church with no pews in the nave. The tower up to the clock is 13th century, the rest 15th and 16th century.

Famous connections

Matthew Parker, Archbishop of Canterbury 1559-75, began his career here. He was the last Dean of the College of Secular Priests at Stoke by Clare before the Reformation and took charge of Elizabeth I on the death of her mother Anne Boleyn. The Pulpit is ‘traditionally known as Matthew Parker’s Pulpit, although it dates right back to the 1400s and is one of the smallest in England – only 20 inches diameter!

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Get in touch

The Revd Mark Woodrow

The Vicarage
14 High Street
Clare

CO10 8NY
Rector
01787 277515
Tom McKenny PCC Secretary
01787 277654

Our website

What's on

Sion Deserta Est - A Concert by the Luceat Choir

for 2 hours
Clare, St Peter & St Paul
High Street Clare Suffolk, CO10 8NY, United Kingdom

(‘Luceat translates as shine, which is just what this choir does’, Organist’s Review 2021 5*)

In this programme of sixteenth-century polyphony, the up-and-coming Luceat Choir surveys the profound and sublime output of the English Reformation Catholic composers.
This survey is most aptly consolidated in the music of William Byrd, in the year of his 400th anniversary. His music perfectly articulates the turbulence of the period, whilst simultaneously demonstrating a remarkable technical balance of nostalgia and forward looking.
The programme takes in the opportunity to explore his more cosmopolitan connections, notably with Clemens non Papa.

There can be no finer venues to encounter this sublime repertoire than the stunning architecture of Suffolk’s mighty wool churches, themselves possessing many remarkable survivors of Reformation iconoclasm.
We look forward to welcoming you.

Conductor: James Fellows
Organist: Daniel Mathieson

Regina coeli Plainchant
Regina coeli Robert White
‘Gloria’ from Missa Salve Intermata Thomas Tallis
Salve Regina Plainchant
Ave Maria Robert Parsons
Lamentation a5 Robert White
Tristitia et anxietas Clemens non Papa
Tristitia et anxietas William Byrd
Assumpta est maria William Byrd
Alleluia, Assumpta est Maria Plainchant
Ego Flos campi Clemens non Papa
Ne irascaris, Domine-Civitas sancti tui William Byrd

View attachment

More info Join online

Everyday faith

Discover how we can support you to find and follow God in your everyday life.

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Our Benefice

Safeguarding

The parish of Stoke-by-Clare is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Benefice Safeguarding Officer. The Diocese of St. Edmundsbury & Ipswich’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our Benefice Safeguarding Officer. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Service.

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