While languishing in illness, Alfonso X (twelfth-century king of Castille, León and Galicia) prayed to the Virgin Mary for divine intercession that he might survive. After making a full recovery, he expressed his gratitude by composing and commissioning songs, or cantigas, recounting Holy Mary's miracles and singing her praises. The result was the lavishly illustrated and justly renowned manuscripts of the Cantigas de Santa Maria. Last season's program of Cantigas de Santa Maria was a big hit and left many listeners asking for more. You asked for it and you got it! Ellen Hargis, four outstanding medieval instrumentalists, and the Newberry Choir return to perform more of these compelling melodies and miracles. Don't miss part two of this lush, earthy, and exotic repertoire of song, gorgeous projected illustrations, and supertitle translations.

Date, Time and Location:

• Friday, November 4, 2011 8:00pm, St. Michael in Old Town
• Saturday, November 5, 2011 8:00pm, Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, Hyde Park
• Sunday, November 6, 2011 3:00pm, Alice Millar Chapel, Northwestern University

Pre-concert lectures begin one hour before each performance.

Performers:

David Douglass

Ellen Hargis

Shira Kammen

Mark Rimple