Songs Of Rest – The Choir Of St James’ With The Australian Haydn Ensemble
The Choir of St James’ directed by Warren Trevelyan-Jones and the Australian Haydn Ensemble led by Artistic Director Skye McIntosh join forces once again after their marvellous collaborative performance of Mozart’s Requiem in 2014, to present Songs of Rest – a programme featuring Joseph Haydn’s Missa brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo, the ‘Little Organ Mass’, and the Requiem in C minor by his brother Michael Haydn.
Michael Haydn’s Requiem in C minor made a profound impression on the young Mozart and is seen by many as the model for the latter’s last great composition. Mozart and his father Leopold in fact both performed in the orchestra for the debut of this work. The piece resonates with the grief and despair felt by the composer over the loss of his only daughter, Aloisia, but ultimately resounds with consolation.
The charming Little Organ Mass by Michael’s older brother and Joseph Haydn, the composer from whom the Australian Haydn Ensemble takes its name, earned its nickname from the exceptional obbligato organ writing in the beautiful solo soprano movement that is the Benedictus. This performance will feature historical keyboard specialist Neal Peres Da Costa.
William Byrd’s poignant lament Infelix ego is an epic Renaissance work considered to be his masterpiece, and completes the setting for this tranquil concert.
The Programme: F.J. HAYDN Missa brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo (‘Little Organ Mass’)/BYRD Infelix ego
Interval
J.M. HAYDN Requiem in C minor
The Soloists:
Ayșe Göknur Shanal ~ soprano
Nicole Smeulders ~ mezzo soprano
Richard Butler ~ tenor
Nicholas Dinopoulos ~ bass
The Choir of St James’ Directed by Trevelyan-Jones with the Australian Haydn Ensemble, leader and Artistic Director Skye McIntosh.
Tickets: $50/45
Bookings: Click here to book or call (02) 8256 2222, purchase at the door
