Portugal 2023
Portugal tour - April 2023
We visted Lisbon and Porto in April 2023, singing a programme of Portuguese and other European sacred music in concerts and services over the Easter weekend, reflecting and celebrating the cross. We sang in services in the Anglican churches of Lisbon and Porto, and in concert in the Mosteiro de São Vicente de Fora in Lisbon and finishing in the fabulous Porto Cathedral.
We were very grateful to our friend, Lazina Gheyselinck, who not only joined the choir for our Lisbon leg but also allowed us to rehearse in her beautiful home just outside Cascais.
We were very grateful to the authorities of Mosteiro de Sao Vicente de Fora for allowing us to sing in their beautiful church, particularly when we discovered the João IV, the composer of the piece that gave the title to our concerts, Crux Fidelis, was buried in the sepulchre!
Beth Bendrey and her team at St George's Anglican Church designed a beautifully reflective service around our repertoire. We were very pleased to discover this peaceful haven on Good Friday.
On Easter Sunday we had a very warm welcome to the service at St James' church in Porto, where our children enjoyed the Sunday school while we led the worship. We were very grateful to be welcomed for some port and nibbles after the service too!
The stunning Porto Cathedral was the venue of our final concert. We were again very grateful for the authorities for arranging the concert, and for the large and appreciative audience!
Follow the links to see more photos and the repertoire from the tour.
Performances:
Thursday 6th April 5pm: Crux Fidelis concert at Mosteiro de São Vicente de Fora
Friday 7th April 11.30am: Service of music, reading and prayer for Good Friday at St. George's Church, Lisbon
Sunday 9th April 11.00am: Easter Sunday service at St. James' Anglican Church, Porto
Monday 10th April 6pm: Crux Fidelis concert in Porto Cathedral