Octava Ensemble once again reaches for sources of Christian traditions and sacral music. The vocal octet, together with Collegium Copernicus group, invite listeners for meetings with the cycle Ad radices musicae.

How does this return to roots work? Masses by composers of the Renaissance and Baroque resound in their natural surroundings; they are performed for their intended purpose, accompanying the Mass worship. According to Zygmunt Magiera, artistic director of the Octava Ensemble, “People often forget that this music had a specific function. It stressed the beauty of liturgy and had a direct connection with spiritual experiences focused around prayer.”

29 June 2018, 7:15pm (Feast of Sts Peter and Paul)
Franciszek Lilius (1600-1657)
Missa brevissima a8 

15 August 2018, 7:15pm (Assumption of Mary)
Bartłomiej Pękiel (?-1670)
OPERA OMNIA
Missa Concertata La Lombardesca

2 November 2018, 7:15pm (All Souls' Day)
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525-1594)
Missa pro defunctis 

16 December 2018, 7:15pm (Gaudete Sunday)
Grzegorz Gerwazy Gorczycki (1665-1734)
Missa Rorate 

Performers:
OCTAVA ensemble
&
Collegium Copernicus
Wojciech Gracz - organ
X. Marcin Kostka - project coordinator
X. Wojciech Grygiel - merit coordinator
Zygmunt Magiera - musical direction, conductor