Spirituality in Song

The Newberry Library is holding a hybrid event for an in-depth look at their rich holdings of choirbooks from colonial Mexico, which combined European forms with Indigenous traditions to produce new spiritual music. 

Attendees can attend the event in person at the Newberry Library in Ruggles Hall, 60 W Walton St, Chicago or via Zoom. 

This roundtable discussion will examine the books and music from three diverse perspectives: music historian Ireri Chávez-Bárcenas will illuminate the cultural context of the music, art historian Claudia Brittenham will consider the material aspects of the Newberry’s large-scale books, and renowned early music vocalist Ellen Hargis will share the experience of researching and performing the music today. Clips of recordings of music from these historic books will serve as the soundtrack for the conversation. 

This event is cosponsored by the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation. It is a related partner program for the Shift: Music, Meaning, Context exhibition.

Register at the links below for the event: 
In-person Registration 
Livestream Registration

Image: Mexican choirbook, volume 4, ca. 1600/1799.