EL CANT DE LA SIBIL·LA - Capella de Ministrers
18 December 2024/ Spain / Valencia
El Cant de la Sibil·la, as a prelude to Christmas, is performed annually in the Cathedral of Valencia. This para liturgical drama was traditionally enacted on Christmas Eve in various cathedrals across the Iberian Peninsula until the 16th century, particularly in the former Crown of Aragon. After the Council of Trent, its performance disappeared, surviving today only in Mallorca and Alghero (Sardinia). Among the many preserved versions, the Valencian version, influenced by the Toledo and Mallorcan traditions, has been restored and was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2010.
The Song of the Sibyl is one of the most significant representations related to the birth of Christ, introduced by James I of Aragon after the conquest of Valencia. The Sibyls were women believed to be inspired by the gods, all virgins and prophets. Among them, the Eritrean Sibyl foretold the Day of Judgment and the coming of Jesus Christ to the world. Although the Sibyl is quintessentially a figure of the Greek oracle, Christianity appropriated her to instill fear with her prophecies about the Apocalypse.
This musical event brings together Capella de Ministrers, directed by Carles Magraner, performing with replica instruments modeled after those depicted in the frescoes of the Main Altar. The performance includes the Coral Catedralícia, the Escolania de la Virgen de los Desamparados —directed by Luis Garrido—with the choirboy soloist playing the role of the Sibyl. The Escuela Superior de Arte Dramático, under the stage direction of Jaume Martorell, participates in the Procession of the Prophets, adapted by Josep Lluís Sirera and led by Amics del Corpus de la Ciutat de València. The concert is preceded by the traditional Toc a Matines by the Gremi de Campaners de Valencia.
This musical event brings together Capella de Ministrers, directed by Carles Magraner, performing with replica instruments modeled after those depicted in the frescoes of the Main Altar. The performance includes the Coral Catedralícia, the Escolania de la Virgen de los Desamparados —directed by Luis Garrido—with the choirboy soloist playing the role of the Sibyl. The Escuela Superior de Arte Dramático, under the stage direction of Jaume Martorell, participates in the Procession of the Prophets, adapted by Josep Lluís Sirera and led by Amics del Corpus de la Ciutat de València. The concert is preceded by the traditional Toc a Matines by the Gremi de Campaners de Valencia.
