a spanish twelfth night

Sunday, January 4 - 7:30 p.m.

Peoria Early Music Ensemble

S. Blake Duncan, director

Free (a free-will offering will be taken)

The Twelfth Night is a holiday in some branches of Christianity that marks the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas and the coming of the Epiphany. Epiphany, the adoration of the Christ Child by the Magi (Wise Men), is marked in some cultures by the exchange of gifts, and 12th Night, as the eve of Epiphany, takes on a similar significance that Christmas Eve does in our culture.

Children from Spanish cultures go to bed on this night in anticipation of a visit from the Three Kings. They get snacks for the kings' camels (hay or grass), which some leave in boxes underneath their beds and others leave in their shoes near the fireplace. They awaken to find that the that the hay is gone and presents are in their place.

Two years ago the Peoria Early Music Ensemble made their debut on the Trinity Concert Series with a program celebrating the Twelfth Night. This year they return with a similar program featuring the music of Spanish composers of Medieval and Renaissance periods.