On Friday 13 December 2024 at 7.30pm, St Martin’s Voices will present a promenade performance across London’s National Gallery inspired by the story of the Nativity.
Accompanied by Dr Siobhán Jolley, Lecturer in Christian Studies at the University of Manchester, various paintings of the birth of Jesus, as well as the visitations of the shepherds and kings, are brought to life through seasonal songs.
As part of the National Gallery’s Friday Lates series, this eclectic pop-up programme exploring the story of the Nativity through music and art features traditional song, Renaissance music, and contemporary arrangements by composers including Yshani Perinpanayagam, Olivia Sparkhall, Raffaella Aleotti, Orlando di Lasso and Peter Warlock.
Dr Siobhán Jolley is a specialist in European Christian Art. She is Lecturer in Christian Studies at the University of Manchester and Visiting Lecturer in Christianity and the Arts at King’s College, London. She was previously the Howard and Roberta Ahmanson Research Fellow in Art and Religion at the National Gallery. An expert in the portrayal of Mary Magdalene, her broader research interests include the work of female artists, the reception of biblical women and the New Testament, and feminist approaches.
Andrew Earis, Director of Music for St Martin’s Voices said: ‘We are thrilled to be teaming up with our neighbours at the National Gallery to present this exploration of the Christmas story through music and art. We hope that Dr Siobhán Jolley’s insightful introductions together with the music will bring a selection of inspirational paintings to life for our audience.’