In memoriam Graham Bobby (1960-2026)
Pre-Concert Lecture 6:30 pm – Dr. Lynette Bowring
Amid the religious upheaval of the Anglican Reformation—when such readings no longer had an official liturgical context—settings of The Lamentations of Jeremiah were often performed privately in homes. These texts saw renewed interest among underground recusant Catholics, who are believed to have found in them coded messages of faith and resilience. When viewed through a modern lens, these often disturbing texts remain especially relevant. From the devastation in Gaza to the unrest in Minneapolis, images of ruined cities and oppressed and afflicted people profoundly resonate with modern audiences. Renowned Tudor composers Thomas Tallis (c. 1505–1585), Robert White (c. 1538–1574), and Alfonso Ferrabosco the Elder (1543–1588) understood the power of music to communicate far more than simple melody. Their evocative musical soundscapes, created in the 16th century, still move and transport listeners today. Join us for the second of our 30th anniversary concerts and reflect with us on not only these composers and their historical context but also on our world and the enduring significance of Jeremiah’s Laments.
