SINFONIA VIVA
Derby
MOZART, Musgrave, plus a dash of Wyn and Towers – enjoy A Little Night Music with Sinfonia Viva at Derby Cathedral.
Yes, the Grammy-nominated orchestra of the East Midlands, returns to Derby Cathedral next month under the baton of principal conductor Frank Zielhorst.
The programme starts with the programme’s inspiration – Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.
The serenade is one of Mozart’s most enduringly-popular pieces of work. Completed in 1787, it was not published until 1827 – long after Mozart’s death – and is now an instantly recognisable piece used widely in television and film scores.
The programme then takes a more contemporary turn with Green by celebrated female composer Thea Musgrave – regarded as “a modern master of the orchestra”.
Born in 1928 the Scottish-American composer has been the recipient of many notable awards including two Guggenheim Fellowships, the Ivors Classical Music Award 2018 and The Queen’s Medal for Music. She was awarded a CBE on the Queen’s New Year’s Honour List in 2002.
Green is a short work about conflict – expressed through a clashing of opposing musical forces – and simmers with tension and energy.
Finally, the orchestra will be joined by soprano Fflur Wyn and counter-tenor William Towers for the passionately dramatic Stabat Mater.
The piece will be introduced by the Acting Dean of Derby Cathedral, Canon Elizabeth Thomson, who will explain its relevance in the approach to Easter as it commemorates the sorrows of the Virgin Mary at the crucifixion.
This is composer Pergolesi’s most celebrated sacred work, which he completed in 1736 just before his death from tuberculosis in a Franciscan monastery in Pozzuoli.
Conductor Frank Zielhorst said: “These three pieces are very different, ranging from the timeless majesty of Mozart to the contemporary genius of Thea Musgrave.
“They all however share the common theme of being passionate and powerful scores and are therefore perfect for the wonderful acoustics of Derby Cathedral.”
■ Tickets for A Little Night Music on Wednesday, March 25, start from £16 at sinfoniaviva.com or Derby Live: 01332 255800.