Rossini’s *Stabat Mater* with the Groot Omroepkoor

Rossini's Stabat mater
A Stabat mater is a musical Pietà: Mary mourning her crucified son. In the hands of the master opera composer Rossini, this sorrowful, intimate scene becomes almost a lyrical opera, set against a liturgical backdrop. Rossini strings one vocal gem after another in this perfect balance between drama and contemplation; from the famous tenor aria “Cujus animam” and the dramatic “Inflammatus” to the poignant a cappella moment “Quando corpus morietur” and the imposing closing “Amen.” The piece undoubtedly ranks among the most beautiful sacred choral works.

Grand Broadcasting Choir Together with the Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, the Grand Broadcasting Choir forms a cornerstone of the programming for *The Sunday Morning Concert*. The choir certainly holds its own in a cappella performances, but as the only professional choir in the Netherlands that performs the major choral-symphonic repertoire, this top-tier vocal ensemble truly shines when sharing the stage with the Radio Philharmonic Orchestra. The choir and orchestra are perfectly attuned to one another, and it shows. Under the baton of Edward Gardner—who, as former chief conductor of the London Philharmonic, ranks among the world’s absolute best—it promises to be an impressive morning.