Join the Vivaldi Chamber Choir, Ensemble Harmonia, and talented soloists, led by Edette Gagné, for a performance of Joseph Haydn’s The Seven Last Words of Our Saviour on the Cross.
Originally composed for an orchestral performance during a Good Friday service in Cádiz, Spain in 1786, Haydn later adapted it in 1787 for string quartet, and in 1796, as an oratorio with soloists, choir, and orchestra.
The composition is structured around seven slow movements, each corresponding to one of Christ’s last statements, framed by an introduction and a concluding movement. Haydn uses calm tempi, expressive melodies, and subtle changes in harmony to encourage meditation rather than dramatic action.
The oratorio culminates in the Terremoto (Earthquake), a sudden and explosive finale that shatters the preceding stillness with all possible force. Unlike the meditative movements that come before, this final section utilises the full power of the choir and orchestra to depict the cosmic convulsion following the crucifixion. Listeners can expect an evening of profound reflection, witnessing a work that Haydn himself considered one of his greatest masterpieces.
Admission by donation, but for planning purposes please register to indicate your intention to attend.
The Vivaldi Chamber Choir is a choral ensemble known for its performances of classical and contemporary vocal music, including works by composers such as Vivaldi.
Founded in 1987, the choir has built a reputation for its musical excellence, dynamic performances, and commitment artistic excellence.
Under the leadership of artistic director Edette Gagné, the Vivaldi Chamber Choir brings together talented singers to perform works from the Baroque, Classical, and early Romantic periods, as well as newly commissioned pieces.
The ensemble is recognised for its performances of musical styles and excellence in languages from worlds old and new and from all periods
Ensemble Harmonia is a community string orchestra comprising a blend of professional and advanced string players. The size of the group ranges from 16 – 22 players depending on the musical works being performed, venue and occasion. Typically, Harmonia’s concerts are fundraisers for charitable causes and all musicians donate their time.
Ensemble Harmonia was founded by Tony Lee in 2004. It began originally as a group of 10 – 12 players meeting in his living room to play music for personal enjoyment. This eventually evolved into playing publicly and donating admission proceeds to charities. The group plays under the baton of resident conductor Nicholas Urquhart and formally adopted its present name, “Ensemble Harmonia” in 2018. It focuses primarily on string orchestral music ranging from baroque to contemporary, supplementing with wind instruments or keyboard as required. It also promotes young, gifted local talents by featuring them as soloists.
Beginning in 2020, the orchestra has played for the annual Taiwanfest at Robson Square, and has been the featured ensemble at the annual Lunar Year concerts held at the Orpheum Theatre since 2022. We have also been very privileged to play several concerts with Ukrainian concert pianist Anna Sagalova to raise funds to support Ukrainians in the current war against Russia.