Featuring

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Benjamin Northey conductor

Choir of Trinity College Melbourne

Mary Finsterer curator

Over the centuries, there has been a vast array of music composed founded in beliefs, which carries with it, amongst many other things, a most powerful image. The music that springs from Marian tradition, from the 12th century to this day, has as its single dedication, the poignant moment where a mother is witness to the suffering of her child.

The Stabat Mater has its foundation in a prophecy of Simeon, who foretold that a sword was to pierce the heart of Jesus’ mother, Mary (Luke 2:35). This hymn then depicts the true outcome of that foretelling in Mary’s presence at the foot of the cross during the crucifixion of her Son.

In a program of sacred works spanning more than eight hundred years, this iconic image, a singular theme that has reverberated through the ages, is featured within the tradition and space of the magnificent St Patrick’s Cathedral.