Galway choral ensemble Resurgam will perform two major concerts this weekend, as the group celebrates the launch of its most recent CD, Weelkes: Gentleman Extraordinary. Resurgam will be in Galway’s St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church this Sunday, February 25, with Tudor Connections, following a concert on Saturday night in St Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny.

Resurgam has enjoyed roaring success over the past 20 years, since its foundation in 2003. It has appeared at the Galway International Arts Festival, Kilkenny Arts Festival, Ardee Baroque Festival, Cork International Choral Festival and has attended the renowned Bach Festival of Lausanne.

The group’s prowess has been praised by critics, with the Irish Times praising its ability to navigate “Bach’s labyrinthine counterpoints with disciplined clarity and florid tone” and describing it as “one of the most accomplished choirs on this island”.

Resurgam was founded by Mark Duley with the aim of bringing choral music to the West of Ireland. New Zealand-born Mark, who remains its director, established the group in 2003, 11 years after he moved to Dublin for work. A longtime resident of Headford, he is also organist at the Collegiate Church of St Nicholas, and lectures at the University of Galway.

Resurgam’s musical philosophy borrows from one of Claudio Monteverdi’s famous dictums, ‘recitar cantando’ (speak through singing), as the group aims to portray themes of virtuosity in its music.

The Galway concert, featuring choral music from influential 16 century composers, Robert Whyte and Christopher Tye. will begin at 5pm in St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, with a 4.30pm pre-concert talk by Trinity College Assistant Professor of music, Dr Andrew Johnstone. The University of Galway Choral Scholars will join Resurgam for the event.

The new album will be on sale afterwards. Tickets at www.Resurgam.ie from €15 to €22.50.

Pictured: Mark Duley conducting Resurgam.