Spanish Renaissance Requiem to be sung at St Martin-on-the-Hill, Scarborough
Adding to the growing repertoire of classical music events, the Pre-Raphaelite interior of St.Martin-On-The-Hill will be the setting for the annual Solemn Requiem for All Souls.
In this annual service, which is free for all to attend, people are invited to remember their departed loved ones in a traditional liturgy which this year features music from the Spanish Renaissance, sung by professional vocal ensemble The Swan Consort on Friday November 6 at 7.30pm.
Last year the Solemn Requiem attracted over 100 attendees, and featured music by the French composer and organist Durufle, sung by members of the Northern Cathedral Choirs.
The Swan Consort's director is Scarborough-based conductor and composer Dr. Anita Datta, who reflected: "It is extremely special for us, as professional musicians based in Yorkshire, to bring this service to the people of Scarborough.
“As young musicians, we started out singing services in Lincoln Cathedral and other local churches, and have gone on to perform this special ancient music as celebrated young artists across the UK and abroad, including in the Renaissance Music festivals in Spain itself.
“It means a lot to us personally to bring this music back home, to be a part of the lives and memories of our own communities."
Dr. Anita Datta is a Hull-born, Scarborough based conductor, composer, soprano and organist.
She is the founder of The Swan Consort, a professional vocal ensemble and arts charity, that works to bring world class music to the northern regions, with a special focus on Yorkshire.
The Swan Consort were founded in 2018 and were celebrated as young artists by Brighton Early Music Festival, and the Crown of Aragon in Valencia, Spain.
They have performed at prestigious venues and festivals across the UK, including Ryedale Festival, The University of Cambridge, London Contemporary Church Music Festival, and Canterbury Festival.
They specialise in the choral music of the European Renaissance and Baroque (1500-1750).
For a donation of £50 towards the musician's performance at the Requiem, the music can be sponsored in memory of departed loved ones.
The names of those who the music is dedicated in memory of will be included in the front of the order of service.
Sponsorship forms can be found at the back of St. Martin's Church or requested from Fr. Kenny at [email protected] until 1st November 2026.
Additionally votive candles can be lit at the front of the church from 7pm, representing prayers for those who will be prayed for during the Requiem Mass and are available for £1 each.
Requiem Aeternam is at St.Martin-On-The Hill, Albion Road Scarborough on Friday 6th November at 7.30pm.