Dvořák: Stabat Mater and Petter: Vigil Mass

Voxcetera returns to St Michael’s Church, Highgate joined by chamber orchestra and four acclaimed young soloists, to sing Dvořák’s popular, moving, grief-inspired Stabat Mater, and a shorter work from a dazzling young composer, Vigil Mass by William Petter.

ANTONIN DVOŘÁK: Stabat Mater

Dvořák’s best known and most performed sacred work is a setting of the medieval prayer to the bereaved mother of Christ, and was likely inspired by the deaths of his own children. A compassionate musical journey from grief to hope and wonder, its London performances in the 1880s made the Czech composer's name in England, and helped establish his international reputation.

This is rich, tender music that evokes sorrow and grief but also hope and wonder. We will perform it accompanied by chamber orchestra, playing Joachim Linckelmann’s arrangement, and a quarted of acclaimed soloists: Soprano Milly Forrest ("exquisite... breathtaking" - Guardian); mezzo-soprano Amy Lyddon ("a warmly expressive singer" - Guardian); tenor Andrew Henley, 2025 winner of the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod; and bass Tristan Hambleton ("silken-voiced" - Telegraph). 

The concert will open with:

WILLIAM PETTER: Vigil Mass

A playful and beautiful short setting of the mass by the late, young composer.

“British choral music lost a rare talent in 2016... profound serenity and boundless joy”

The Observer

“Music of affirmative, accessible beauty – asking expansive questions and always finding joy in the answers”

Gramophone on Vigil Mass

Jane Hopkins conducts:

Voxcetera Chamber Choir & Chamber Orchestra

Milly Forrest soprano

Amy Lyddon mezzo soprano

Andrew Henley tenor

Tristan Hambleton bass

Paul Dean organ Doors and bar open from 7pm.

Please note: soprano Milly Forrest replaces the previously announced Camilla Harris