For its anniversary, Mathieu Romano has devised a programme which reflects the ensemble’s savoir faire, articulated around the major works which have marked its history thus far. The 28 a cappella singers will be exploring the multiplicity of colours and harmonies in choral music, ranging from the masterpieces of the Romantic and Post-Romantic periods (Brahms’ Warum ist das Licht gegeben dem Mühseligen, Rachmaninov’s Bogoroditse Devo, and Barber’s Agnus Dei) to contemporary music, by way of the modern works from the early 20^th century which the ensemble has made a point of making better known to audiences.

A large portion of this miscellany is therefore devoted to Francis Poulenc, Aedes’ chosen composer from the very beginning: the ensemble will be making a box set devoted entirely to Poulenc, due for release in autumn 2025. His Mass in G major will be one of the foundation stones of this programme, alongside other key works such as Benjamin Britten’s A.D.M.G. and Frank Martin’s Mass for double choir a cappella.

Aedes is an advocate for contemporary music, which forms an integral part of its repertoire, both recorded and in concert. The ensemble’s first ever commission, in 2008, was Philippe Hersant’s Trois poèmes d’Eichendorff, and we will be reviving them for this occasion.

Johannes Brahms
Warum ist das Licht gegeben dem Mühseligen? op. 74 No. 1

Sergueï Rachmaninov
Bogoroditse Devo (women choir)

Samuel Barber
Agnus Dei

Francis Poulenc
Messe en sol majeur

Francis Poulenc
Excerpts from Quatre petites prières de Saint François d’Assise (men choir)

Frank Martin
Mass for double choir a cappella (excerpts)

Benjamin Britten
A.M.D.G. (excerpts)

Philippe Hersant
Trois poèmes d’Eichendorff

Ensemble Aedes
Mathieu Romano, conductor