Rossini's opera Ermione (1819) is one the best-kept secrets of his output - a vibrant drama set in the aftermath of the Trojan War. The sequence of excerpts chosen for this concert consists of dazzling music for soloists, orchestra and chorus. His passionate Stabat Mater, from much later in his career, is linked to the earlier opera by the idea of motherhood: Andromache grieves with her son in the ruins of Troy for her husband, Hector, while the Virgin Mary grieves for her son, the crucified Christ.

The Monteverdi Choir will be joined by the Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique and a quartet of young international soloists.

Rossini Scenes from Ermione
interval
Rossini Stabat Mater