Stabat Mater Dolorosa

Director - Christopher Jones | Solo viola - Kay Stephen | Soprano - Caroline Taylor | Countertenor - Ralph Thomas Williams

Handel Concerto Grosso Op.6 No.4 | Lera Auerbach Sogno di Stabat Mater | Corelli Concerto Grosso Op.6 No.4 | Pergolesi Stabat Mater

Saturday 11 March 2023 7.30pm
St Michael's Church, Macclesfield

Giovanni Battista Pergolesi died in 1736 at the tragically young age of 26. This meditation on the suffering of Mary as she stands at the foot of the cross is profoundly moving and his most celebrated sacred work. Lera Auerbach is one of the most widely performed composers of the new generation. 'Sogno di Stabat Mater' (2005) is a reworking of some of Pergolesi's themes, seen through a contemporary lens and featuring a solo violin and viola. Joyful Concerti Grossi by Handel and Corelli complete the programme.

Originally from London, Ontario, Christopher Jones read music at McGill University and later studied at the RNCM. He is the leader of the Gildas Quartet, which has performed to critical acclaim at major venues including the Wigmore Hall and Purcell Room and live on BBC Radio 3.