Queensland Symphony Orchestra is bringing three performances of Mozart’s Great Mass in C Minor to St Stephen’s Cathedral as part of the cathedral’s 150th anniversary. Source: The Catholic Leader.
The sold-out events tonight and Saturday will open with French composer Lili Boulanger’s triumphant and joyous prayer, Psalm 24.
Accompanied by 65 QSO musicians, the vocal lineup will highlight four soloists: sopranos Sara Macliver and Sofia Troncoso, tenor Andrew Goodwin and baritone David Greco, and 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 the Mass in C Minor and Psalm 24 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.”
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Queensland Symphony Orchestra to perform Mozart’s Mass for cathedral 150th (By Joe Higgins, The Catholic Leader)
