On Friday, January 20 Cappella Records presents its 30th release, A Byzantine Emperor at King Henry’s Court: Christmas 1400, London. Musical worlds collide against the backdrop of international politics and war, taking listeners back in time to 1400. The Byzantine Emperor Manuel II Palaiologos sought foreign aid for besieged Constantinople and spent Christmas in the court of English King Henry IV.
Under the direction of Cappella Romana founder and music director Alexander Lingas, the same men and women who brought the Lost Voices of Hagia Sophia to 44 weeks on Billboard bring to life medieval Byzantine and Sarum chant and royal ceremonial. Performed by two very different historic choirs, one singing in Greek and the other in Latin, they celebrate the feast of Christmas at London’s Eltham Palace.
The 70-minute recording is broken into three sections: From the Services of Christmas Eve, From the Services of Christmas Day and At Second Vespers on Christmas Evening. Visit for download and streaming options.