“The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art. The main reason for this pre-eminence is that, as a combination of sacred music and words, it forms a necessary or integral part of solemn liturgy”
— Sacrosanctum Concilium, no. 112

In 1994, the National Library of the Czech Republic acquired a large paper choirbook from private hands that contained eight four-voice mass cycles as well as choral settings of the responses during Mass. Among these works was an unknown mass that has now been identified as the work of prominent Renaissance composer Heinrich Isaac. Modelled after the rotulum Presulem Ephebeatum in honour of St. Martin by the composer Petrus Wilhelmi de Grudencz, Missa Presulem Ephebeatum is an exciting new discovery.

Chorus Ecclesiae is pleased to have received special permission from the National Library of the Czech Republic to premiere in Australia this recent discovery.

In addition to the Mass, we will also be performing motets dedicated to St. Martin and the Blessed Virgin Mary, featuring composers such as Fawknyer, Marenzio, de Monte, and Phillips.

With the generous support of the Robert Saltzer Foundation, we are excited to bring this wonderful concert to Ascot Vale, Ballarat, and Bendigo in Nov 2024. Joining us are some of Melbourne’s finest emerging artists. We  hope to see you there!

We have all been affected by news of recent war and violence. We offer up this beautiful setting of Psalm 23 as a prayer for all lives lost, and those who are suffering from war and violence recently. This beloved psalm is shared by Christians, Jews and Muslim alike, a reminder of how much we share rather than what divides us. This earth for which borders are fought for is bestowed to us from a God whose love knows no bounds. We pray for peaceful coexistence. We pray for the innocent lives lost. And we pray for comfort to those whose loved ones have been lost and whose lives have been displaced.