We have found ourselves in December of all places and what better way to mark the advent period with a performance of Es ist ein Ros enstprungen (a rose has sprung up) by The Gesualdo Six. This recording is part of 'Live from London Christmas 2023', a series of streamed concerts of an assortment of festival choral works running from 4 December to 7 January.

The origins of the melody are uncertain - it was first printed in 1599 as a plainchant and was subsequently harmonised in 1609 by German composer Michael Praetorius which is the version performed here. The text, which was written some time in the 15th century, likens the Virgin Mary to a rose sprouting from the Tree of Jesse -  a metaphor for her holy lineage. 

Stay tuned for more festive Videos of the Day as we draw closer to Christmas!

(L-R) Guy James, Joseph Wicks, Alasdair Austin, Michael Craddock, Owain Park, Josh Cooter

Live from London Christmas 2023 runs from 4 December to 7 January. You can find more information here. You can hear more from The Gesualdo Six from their most recent album 'Morning Star' below via Apple Music.