The Music of Love

About the concert

We invite you to join the Sine Nomine Singers to celebrate The Music of Love on Saturday 7 June. In this summer’s concert, we will be joined by the young pianist Ben Abraham. Ben is an exceptional musician and at age 13 was the youngest ever winner of Trinity School’s Steinway Scholarship.

The concert begins at 7:30pm in our usual venue, St George’s Church, Bickley, BR1 2BE at the intersection of Bickley Park Road and St George’s Road.

The concert is inspired by The Song of Songs; an unparalleled expression of love in its many forms—sensual, spiritual, and profound. We explore its enduring influence, pairing settings of its timeless verses with a broader reflection on love’s many dimensions.

The first half of the programme delves into the rich choral tradition inspired by the Song of Songs, from Renaissance polyphony to contemporary interpretations. Music by Palestrina, Victoria, and Clemens non Papa captures its sacred beauty, while modern voices like Bob Chilcott and Pablo Casals bring fresh perspectives to its themes of devotion and desire. During this half, Ben Abraham will play Rachmaninoff’s moodily romantic Prelude Op.23 No.4

In the second half, the concert broadens its scope to explore love in its many facets, structured around the ancient Greeks’ many different words for love. From Whitacre’s tender This Marriage (Agape—universal love) to Monteverdi’s cheeky Si Ch’io Vorrei Morire (Ludos—playful love), each piece reflects a different shade of human connection. Works by Bairstow, Duruflé, Stanford, and Cornelius evoke themes of acceptance, religious love, deep friendship and family. Ben will play Misty, by Erroll Gardner. The programme concludes with Palestrina’s Duo ubera tua, symbolizing Eros – sensual love, and Whitacre’s exquisite A Boy and a Girl, a poignant reflection on Pragma, love’s quiet endurance

We very much hope that you will be able to join us. Donations* are welcomed at the door (suggested at least £15; £5 for students and job-seekers)