SACRED MASTERPIECES OF THE MEDICI

An exclusive weekend celebrating rediscovered masterpieces from the time of the Medici rulers, brought to new life by the work of the Sacred Music Programme (SMP), and performed by our vocal ensemble Vox Medicea in collaboration with the award-winning English Cornett & Sackbut Ensemble

Sacred Masterpieces of the Medici is an exclusive annual tradition that shines a spotlight on the sacred music of Renaissance Florence, celebrating rediscovered masterpieces from the illustrious era of the Medici rulers. Through the dedicated work of the Sacred Music Programme (SMP), these forgotten treasures are brought vividly back to life, performed by the professional male-voice ensemble Vox Medicea in collaboration with the award-winning English Cornett & Sackbut Ensemble.

Now in its third year, Sacred Masterpieces of the Medici has become a firmly established beacon of cultural and musical excellence. Since its inception, the weekend has drawn distinguished audiences to some of Florence’s most iconic historic sites, including the Palazzo Pitti, the Basilica of San Lorenzo, and the churches of Santa Felicita, the Certosa, and San Francesco. Each year, the programme has offered a carefully curated selection of rarely heard sacred works, many of which were only recently rediscovered through the meticulous scholarship of the Sacred Music Programme.

Previous seasons have featured masterclasses with celebrated artists, intimate performances of smaller-scale repertoire, and grand polychoral concerts accompanied by period instruments, all performed by Vox Medicea alongside the English Cornett & Sackbut Ensemble. These events are unique in their dedication to reviving the vibrant sacred musical culture of Renaissance Florence, offering an extraordinary and unmatched opportunity to experience firsthand the Medici’s profound artistic legacy at the very heart of the Renaissance. The 2022 edition, notably marked by a special concert in the historic Palazzo Vecchio, helped cement the festival’s reputation as a vital and living tribute to the sacred musical heritage of this extraordinary period.

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This year, we are honoured to present the world premiere of a specially commissioned work by the celebrated composer Nico Muhly, inspired by a 16th-century Florentine motet recently rediscovered by the Sacred Music Programme.

We are also delighted to welcome back the distinguished soprano Dame Emma Kirkby, renowned early music pioneer and multi-recording artist, who will lead an open masterclass with our soloists. Guests will be offered exclusive access to some of Florence’s most stunning and historic venues, experiencing the transcendent sound of Renaissance sacred music performed in the spaces for which they were originally intended. The weekend’s offerings are complemented by distinguished dinners and luncheon receptions held in select, atmospheric locations, providing an unforgettable homage to the city’s rich musical and cultural heritage.

SCHEDULE

28 November

Members only

Afternoon
A gracious welcome reception with drinks and canapés, followed by an illuminating masterclass with the internationally renowned soprano Dame Emma Kirkby, and a distinguished conversation on sacred music.
Evening
Private tour of the Monumental Complex of Santa Croce, with art historian Eleanor Walker, followed by a performance in the Pazzi Chapel.

29 November

Members + Free Event

Late Morning to Early Afternoon
Brunch and private tour: Giardini Corsini & New Generation Foundation, followed by a performance from distinguished lutenists Paula Chateauneuf and Francesco Romano.
Evening
Standing dinner at the Uffizi Gallery, followed by a private visit through the Vasari Corridor across the Arno to Palazzo Pitti.
Later Evening
This special event will feature rare and long-forgotten choral works from the era of the Medici Grand Duchy, alongside the world premiere of a newly commissioned piece by celebrated composer Nico Muhly, inspired by a recently rediscovered 16th-century Florentine motet. The concert will showcase our ensemble Vox Medicea, together with the acclaimed English Cornett & Sackbut Ensemble, under the direction of Mark Spyropoulos.

30 November

Members Only

Late Morning to Early Afternoon
‘Medici Mass’ - Sung High Mass in the traditional Latin Rite, incorporating Medici sacred works within their intended liturgical context.

EVENTS AND DETAILS

FREE EVENT

SACRED MASTERPIECES OF THE MEDICI AT THE CHURCH DI SANTA FELICITA

November 29, 2025
Gala Concert of rare and forgotten choral works from the time of the Grand Duchy of the Medici, alongside the world premiere of a specially commissioned piece by the renowned composer Nico Muhly, inspired by a 16th-century Florentine motet recently rediscovered by the Sacred Music Programme. Featuring Vox Medicea and the English Cornett & Sackbut Ensemble.
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MEMBERS ONLY

SACRED MASTERPIECES OF THE MEDICI

November 28-30, 2025
An exclusive weekend celebrating rediscovered masterpieces from the time of the Medici rulers, brought to new life by the work of the Sacred Music Programme (SMP), and performed by our vocal ensemble Vox Medicea in collaboration with the award-winning English Cornett & Sackbut Ensemble.
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Become a Member to access the full weekend

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