Our next concert takes place on Sunday, 28 January 2024 at St. Andrew's Church, Westland Row, Dublin 2. We will be performing the exquisitely beautiful ‘Stabat Mater’ by Emanuele d’Astorga as well as Antonio Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’, with full choir, orchestra and soloists.

Conducted by: Duncan Brickenden

Soloists: Aimee Kearney, Eilís Dexter, Sean Tester, Eoin Foran

Orchestra led by: David O'Doherty

Vivaldi's Gloria is a renowned Baroque choral masterpiece that has captivated and inspired audiences for centuries. It is a sacred piece of music that forms an essential part of the sacred choral repertoire. The composition is a stunning example of Vivaldi's mastery of the Baroque style, characterised by its ornate melodies, rich harmonies, and skillful use of counterpoint. The piece showcases Vivaldi's innovative and daring approach to composing, with its complex interplay of voices and intricate musical structures. The stylistic elements of the Gloria, including its use of contrast, virtuosity, and dramatic expression, make it a quintessential example of the Baroque era and solidify Vivaldi's legacy as one of the greatest composers of his time.

Emanuele d'Astorga's Stabat Mater is a composition that showcases both the musical and emotional depth of the Baroque era. This masterpiece, believed to have been written in the early 18th century, is a revered piece in the musical canon although rarely performed.

The Stabat Mater is a sacred work that sets to music the sorrowful text of the 13th-century poem by Jacopone da Todi. The expressive and intricate melodies, coupled with the poignant lyrics, create a powerful and emotive experience for listeners and we are delighted to be bringing it to Ireland where we believe it has not been performed for quite some time, if ever.