QUEENSLAND Symphony Orchestra is bringing three performances of Mozart’s Great Mass in C Minor to St Stephen’s Cathedral as part of its 150th anniversary on May 10 and 11.
The sold out events will open with French composer Lili Boulanger’s triumphant and joyous prayer Psalm 24.
Accompanied by 65 world-class QSO musicians, the vocal lineup will highlight four sublime soloists: renowned sopranos Sara Macliver and Sofia Troncoso, tenor Andrew Goodwin and baritone David Greco, and the uplifting voices of the combined 50-strong choral ensembles of Brisbane Chamber Choir and St Stephen’s Cathedral Schola.
Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge said QSO’s Mozart’s Mass honoured 150 years of an extraordinary human story and the deep partnership between religion, faith and music.
“Mozart always combines a sense of gravity and grace with a lightness of touch,” he said.
“There is a seriousness of intent and a joyful remembrance, which is the combination we would like to achieve for the celebration.
“For 150 years, St Stephen’s Cathedral has been embedded in different worlds as a symbolically important oasis in the heart of the CBD and a humble and real service to the city.
“We’re not just talking about a building or an institution – this is something deeper and richer and in the end what we’re celebrating is so human at its heart, it becomes divine.”
QSO chief conductor Umberto Clerici chose Mozart’s Mass in C Minor and Lili Boulanger’s Psalm 24 specifically to commemorate the anniversary.
“A Mass is the correct way to celebrate St Stephen’s role as a spiritual catalyst in the community,” he said.
“Mass in C Minor is a challenging piece but embraces the joy of an event like this.”
Mr Clerici said the beauty and emotion evoked by Mozart’s Great Mass in C Minor “highlights the composer’s ability to convey the human spirit and spirituality through music”.
“I believe audiences will feel slightly changed by the experience and feel part of something bigger that is connected to the greatness of the music – and that is a special feeling,” Mr Clerici said.
The QSO x St Stephen’s Cathedral performances will feature a blend of traditional setting and modern technology with the use of spectacular lighting design to enhance the experience.
