Northern Chorale’s Easter concert

The Northern Chorale is presenting its “Music for Easter” concert on Good Friday, 7 April at St Peter’s Church, Willis Street.

The highlight of the programme, which begins at 2pm, will be a rare performance of Emanuele d’Astorga’s “Stabat Mater”.

D’Astorga was an intriguing swashbuckling character.He was born in Sicily in 1680 living until 1757.

Not many facts can be established about him but he was said to be a baron, an officer in the army and an amateur musician and composer, particularly of cantatas.

His poignant “Stabat Mater” is the only work of his that has lived on and has continued to be performedthroughout the centuries.

The work’s appeal is universal. It is in the great tradition of religious music which has become part of the secular repertoire.

It is a stunningly beautiful piece involving soloists, musicians and the choir.

The four soloists joining the Northern