Rossini's opera Ermione (1819) - a vibrant drama set in the aftermath of the Trojan War - is one of the best-kept secrets of his output. The sequence of excerpts chosen for this concert comprises dazzling music for soloists, orchestra and chorus.

His impassioned Stabat Mater (completed in 1841) is linked to his earlier opera by themes of motherhood; Andromache grieves with her son in the ruins of Troy, just as the Virgin Mary grieves for her son, the crucified Christ.

Rossini Scenes from Ermione
interval
Rossini Stabat Mater

Monteverdi Choir
Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique
Jakob Lehmann Conductor

2nd October: Cadogan Hall, London

Soloists
Stabat Mater
Ana Maria Labin Soprano
Hannah Ludwig Mezzo-soprano
Alasdair Kent Tenor
Anthony Robin Schneider Bass

Ermione
Beth Taylor Ermione
Hannah Ludwig Andromaca
Alasdair Kent Oreste
Anthony Robin Schneider Fenicio
Rebecca Leggett Cefisa
Elinor Rolfe Johnson Cleone
Xavier Hetherington Pilade
Marcus Swietlicki Attalo