Vivaldi’s Gloria was written around 1715 for the Ospedale della Pietà in Venice, and it is paired here with José Carlos Amaral Vieira’s Stabat Mater. A student of Messiaen, the award-winning Brazilian composer originally wrote the work in 1988 with just a piano accompaniment. The following year, he reworked it for chamber orchestra, and it is this version that will now receive its Australian premiere, featuring soprano Sandra Partridge, alto Angelique Tot, bass Benjamin Caukwell and 70 choristers with the Western Sydney Philharmonic conducted by Sarah Penicka-Smith.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

One powerful Australian premiere, one iconic classic, and Western Sydney’s best performers, for one night only in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta.

Revel in the chance to be the first Australian audience to hear multi-award-winning Brazilian composer Amaral Vieira’s unforgettable Stabat Mater. From its very first notes, sweeping melodies and lush harmonies combine in a work of tenderness and passion, a fitting inclusion in River City Voices’ LUSCIOUS series.

Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi’s famous Gloria (RV 589) completes the evening. Glorious choruses and sparkling orchestration, showcasing the young musicians of Western Sydney Philharmonic, close the night in a burst of joy.