Presented by the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs
Stabat Mater is a Catholic hymn to Mary, which originated in the 13th century during the peak of Franciscan devotion to the crucified Jesus, and has been attributed to Pope Innocent III (d. 1216), St. Bonaventure, or more commonly, Jacopone da Todi (1230-1306), who is considered by most to be the real author. The title comes from its first line, “Stabat Mater dolorosa”, which means “the sorrowful mother was standing”. During the centuries this moving hymn has been set to music by composers such as, among others: Palestrina, Orlande de Lassus, Scarlatti, Caldara, Vivaldi, Pergolesi, Haydn, Boccherini, Rossini, Schubert, Verdi and, in the 20th century, Poulenc, Penderecki and Arvo Pärt.
Gioachino Rossini, best known as a composer of brilliant comedy and moving tragedy, composed Stabat Mater towards the end of his career, when he stopped composing operas. He started the Stabat Mater in 1831, but due to ill health he managed to complete it only in 1841. Despite the scepticism of some critics, mainly north-European, Stabat Mater’s premiere in Paris on 7 January 1842 was a triumph. In March 1842 the opera was directed in Bologna by Gaetano Donizetti, receiving an extraordinary success. Since then Rossini’s Stabat Mother has continued to enthral and move audiences with its virtuoso solos and overwhelming choruses.
The first part of the concert will include arias composed by some masters of Italian opera – Verdi, Donizetti, Bellini, Mascagni -, also inspired by religious themes.
Devoted to presenting the art of choral singing at the highest standard, and fostering the singing community in Sydney and beyond, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs is Australia’s finest choral performing arts company. They are led by charismatic and dynamic Music Director, Brett Weymark, and their community is made up of 1500 people, across four choirs, who volunteer their time and talents to rehearsals and events year-round. They regularly perform at the Sydney Opera House, City Recital Hall and other prestigious venues around the city, alongside the world’s best conductors, soloists, and orchestras, including the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Sydney Youth Orchestra. Founded in 1920, They will celebrate their upcoming centenary with a huge line-up of concerts and events.
For more information visit: www.sydneyphilharmonia.com.au
Brett Weymark conductor
Taryn Fiebig soprano
Jacqueline Dark mezzosoprano
Jaewoo Kim tenor
Warwick Fyfe baritone
Festival Chorus
Sydney Philharmonia Orchestra
Information and bookings: