Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina was born between 3 February 1525 and 2 February 1526. This year we celebrate his 500th birthday. A prolific composer, Palestrina was the first Italian to successfully adopt the polyphonic style practiced by Flemish composers like Guillaume du Fay and Josquin des Prez (both of whom are represented on this program).  Alongside Palestrina‘s well-loved Missa Aeterna Christi Munera and lesser known works on this program, sacred and secular, is the famous Miserere by Palestrina’s student, Gregorio Allegri.