Poulenc’s haunting setting of the Stabat Mater captures the profound emotion felt by Mary at her son’s crucifixion. In places, rich choral harmonies create a wash of sound while a solo soprano voice floats above the choir. In contrast, fiery and tempestuous choral movements reflect the intensity of Mary’s grief.

Poulenc’s Piano Concerto has its serious and fun-loving elements, culminating in a quick-fire, helter-skelter finale, requiring nimble fingers. The work was premiered in Boston in 1950, with Poulenc himself at the piano. We look forward to a dazzling performance by our outstanding soloist, Nico de Villiers.

Vaughan Williams’ 5 Mystical Songs for baritone soloist, choir and orchestra are settings of poems by the 17th century priest and poet, George Herbert and reflect the poet’s intrinsic spirituality. The first four songs are quite personal meditations in which the soloist takes a key role, while the choir bursts forth in the final Antiphon, a triumphant hymn of praise: Let all the world in every corner sing!

Conductor: Dan Ludford-Thomas

Piano: Nico de Villiers