Courtney’s Stars of Tomorrow presents
A Baroque Fantasy
May 8, 2025, 6:00 PM St. Philip Neri Roman Catholic Church
with the Bronx Arts Ensemble
Performers
Olanna Goudeau
Daveda Browne
Scott La Marca
Justice Yates
Event Duration
60 min
Program
Vivaldi Cessate, omai cessate (RV 684)
Carey Stabat Mater (Opus 12)
Vivaldi In furore iustissimae irae (RV 626)
Event Details
A Baroque Fantasy
The 20th century marked a vibrant revival of Baroque music, ushering in an era of rediscovery that breathed new life into numerous forgotten works and long-neglected performance practices. Among the composers who enjoyed this resurgence is Antonio Vivaldi, who, after fading into obscurity following his death, has enjoyed a remarkable revival that shows no signs of easing. While Vivaldi is perhaps best known for his warhorse works such as The Four Seasons, the Gloria, and the Violin Concerto in A Minor, his lesser-known Latin motets deserve special attention for their dramatic intensity and lavish, ornate style. These works, characterized by their rich textures and emotional depth, often sit in the shadow of his more celebrated compositions. Yet, they reveal a profound artistic vision that continues to captivate audiences today. Composers, too, have long been captivated by the grandeur and richness of the Baroque period. This deep-seated fascination inspired composer Courtney Carey to craft a unique rendition of the Stabat Mater. His version features a contralto or countertenor alongside a tenor and bass soloist, augmented by the distinctive timbres and textures of Baroque-era instruments. Carey’s work not only pays homage to the past but also brings forth the lush sonorities that define this remarkable musical epoch.
“A Baroque Fantasy” artfully juxtaposes two Latin motets by Antonio Vivaldi and the Baroque-inspired setting of the poignant hymn “Stabat Mater” by Courtney Carey. The concert invites the audience to experience the vibrant, intricate musical landscape of the Baroque era, blending sacred themes with lush melodic lines that resonate with grace and beauty.
FREE ADMISSION
This program is presented in collaboration with the Bronx Arts Ensemble.
Support for A Baroque Fantasy is provided by New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature; in part with a grant from the Alice M. Ditson Fund, and through the generous donations of our supporters and donors.