The Suspicious Cheese Lords, a Washington, D.C.-based all-male early music ensemble, will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its founding with a special concert Aug. 9 at Church of the Annunciation in Northwest Washington.
Specializing in performing rare Renaissance polyphony, the ensemble was formed in 1996 to keep the historic choral traditions of sacred music alive while highlighting forgotten sacred masterpieces.
Over the past three decades, the Suspicious Cheese Lords have performed in historic churches and sacred spaces across throughout the metropolitan region, across the United States and abroad. The ensemble performed for Pope Benedict XVI, at Mont-Saint-Michel in France, and at L’Abbaye de La Lucerne.
The Cheese Lords have released five CDs, and have been featured on broadcasts by early music programs Millennium of Music and Harmonia
The Suspicious Cheese Lords’ name is derived from the title of a Thomas Tallis 16th century motet, Suscipe quaeso Domine, which is officially translated as “Take, I ask Lord.”
Playing on a whimsical translation of the title, that Suscipe could mean “suspicious,” quaeso resembles the Spanish word queso which means “cheese,” and Domine is “Lord.” Hence, the title “Suspicious Cheese Lord.”
To celebrate the milestone of its founding, the ensemble is hosting a public 30th Anniversary Concert on Sunday, Aug.9, at 5 p.m. at Annunciation Church, 3810 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.
There is no admission charge for the concert, but free-will offerings will be accepted. The Church has ample free parking and is handicap accessible. A reception to follow in the Parish Center.
For more information, e-mail suspiciouscheeselords@gmail.com or visit suspiciouscheeselords.com.
