With religious strife at home and uncertaintysurrounding the succession, Mary Tudor’s marriageto Philip of Spain in 1554 and subsequent pregnancyprompted a rush of courtly tributes.

Vocal ensembleGallicantus recalls this euphoric moment in Mary’sreign, and her subsequent descent into depressionas it became clear that no heir would be born.

The programme includes music by Mary’s mostimportant composers, including Tye, Mundy, Tallisand Sheppard, and a special reconstruction of theSarum Litany by Tallis, originally sung on behalf ofthe pregnant queen.