Antonin Dvorák's powerful "Stabat Mater" to conclude season on Sunday May 21, 2023

Steeple Concerts at St. Paul’s is proud to present its annual Masterworks Concert at 5:00 PM on Sunday, May 21, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 414 East Broad Street, in Westfield, NJ. The program will feature Antonin Dvorak’s epic "Stabat Mater" with full chorus and orchestra. The concert will be followed by a reception with an opportunity to meet the artists.

Dvorak began composition of the "Stabat Mater", a traditional text on the grief of the Virgin Mary at the crucifixion of her son, in 1875 shortly after the death of his infant son. He completed the work in 1877, but not before he and his wife had lost their two other children. Although he was not widely known before he began composition of the "Stabat Mater," it did not receive a public performance until 1880, after the widespread popularity of his now-famous Slavonic Dances. The work moves from the sorrow of Mary to an optimistic expression of hope and was a resounding success throughout Europe and the United States.

The Masterworks Concert is always a highlight of the Steeple Concert series, with soloists, full chorus featuring the choir of St. Paul’s Church and the community, and professional orchestra. The conductor is Mark Hyczko, Director of Music at St. Paul’s. Join us for this exciting opportunity to experience live music in a beautiful setting.

The concert will take place on Sunday, May 21, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 414 East Broad Street, in Westfield, NJ. Tickets to the concert are priced at $35 for adults and $15 for students, and are available on the Steeple Concerts website at www.steepleconcerts.org. Parking for the concert is available in the St. Paul’s parking lot off Euclid Avenue or on St. Paul’s Street next to the church.