Join us at Leeds Cathedral for a performance of Giovanni Battista Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater, a cherished work of sacred music from the 18th century. The concert also includes beautiful music by Charpentier, Monteverdi and Vivaldi.

Written during the final weeks of the composer’s life in 1736, Stabat Mater sets to music a 13th-century hymn meditating on the sorrow of the Blessed Virgin Mary as she stands at the foot of the Cross. Pergolesi’s setting – scored for soprano and alto, string ensemble, and continuo – combines simplicity and expressive depth, inviting prayerful listening and contemplation.

This performance features the Leeds Cathedral Senior Girls Choir with soloists from the choir, Baroque in the North (strings), Benjamin Newlove (continuo) and Thomas Leech (conductor).

All the children singing joined the choir through the Diocese of Leeds’ acclaimed Schools Singing Programme which works with some 7,000 children every week. Participating schools receive sustained whole-class singing from expert Choral Directors with children given opportunities to join a network of after-school choirs, including Leeds Cathedral Choir and similar groups in Bradford, Huddersfield, North Yorkshire, Pontefract and Wakefield.

Proceeds from this concert will support this work, with every ticket helping to ensure we can continue working with thousands of young singers every week in schools across the region.