On 23 May 2025, 70 choristers from Parramatta’s flagship choir River City Voices, along with sublime soloists and Western Sydney Philharmonic, will electrify St Patrick’s Cathedral Parramatta with multi-award-winning Brazilian composer Amaral Vieira’s Stabat Mater. Sweeping melodies and lush harmonies combine in a work of tenderness and passion, a fitting inclusion in River City Voices’ LUSCIOUS series.
Maestro Vieira said: ‘I’m absolutely buzzing about the Australian premiere of my Stabat Mater! To have it performed in one of the world’s most vibrant musical centres is truly exciting. And what a thrill to know it will be in the hands of the incredible River City Voices, under the direction of the brilliant Maestra Sarah Penicka-Smith (…) it will make me so happy if my composition touches both the performers and the Australian audience.’
‘From the moment I heard the opening bars of Vieira’s Stabat Mater, I was hooked on the luscious harmonies,’ says River City Voices’ Artistic Director Sarah Penicka-Smith. ‘Amaral has the gift of melody, and the deeply personal story of Mary watching her Son’s suffering unfolds in a rollercoaster-ride of emotional vignettes. We would love this beautiful work to become a performance favourite among Australian choirs and audiences alike.’
Completing the evening is Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi’s Gloria (RV 589). Glorious choruses and sparkling orchestration, showcasing the young musicians of Western Sydney Philharmonic, close the night in a burst of musical joy.
Revel in the chance to be the first Australian audience to hear Brazilian composer Amaral Vieira’s unforgettable Stabat Mater alongside Vivaldi’s famous Gloria!
Conductor: Dr Sarah Penicka-Smith
Soprano: Sandra Partridge | Alto: Angelique Tot | Tenor: Elias Wilson | Bass: Benjamin Caukwell
Western Sydney Philharmonic
Vivaldi’s Gloria and Vieira’s Stabat Mater will be performed by River City Voices, Western Sydney Philharmonic and guest soloists on Friday 23 May, 8-10pm at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, 1 Marist Place in Parramatta. Tickets: Adult $60 | Concession $45 | Under 30 $30 | Under 18 $18 – a booking fee applies. BOOK: https://events.humanitix.com/vivaldi-and-vieira
For more information click here
