CONCERT I – CLASSICAL TITANS | May 16/17

Stabat Mater - F.J. Haydn

Laudate Dominum & Piano Sonata No. 10 in C Major - W.A. Mozart

The Scholars Baroque, along with renowned national soloists, will perform the dramatic and moving Stabat Mater by Franz Josef Haydn. This is a stirring and deeply emotional work and, next to his choral masterpiece The Creation, is probably Haydn at his finest.

Immerse yourself in the profound beauty of Haydn’s music, which captures the sorrow and pathos of the Virgin Mary witnessing the crucifixion of her son. With its stunning melodies and rich harmonies, this piece is not only a cornerstone of the classical choral repertoire but also a moving reflection on love and sacrifice.

The Scholars Baroque are also pleased to welcome Esha Xu, winner of the Bay of Plenty Symphonia’s 2025 Rising Stars Concerto Competition, performing Mozart’s Piano Sonata No. 10 in C Major, K330. Esha is a captivating and talented performer who enthralled audiences at the concerto competition last year, and the Scholars are excited to share the concert stage with her in their first concert of 2026.

CONCERT II – FRENCH MASTERS | August 8/9

Requiem - G. Fauré

Te Deum - M.A. Charpentier

Our second concert features the much-loved Requiem by Gabriel Fauré. A timeless classic and an eternal favourite of choirs and audiences alike, the Scholars are delighted to bring this cherished work from their library once again.

Previous performances of the Requiem by the Scholars have been described as “breathtaking and sublime”, and this year’s performance promises to deliver the same drama and serenity for which the work is so deeply loved.

Alongside it, the concert features Marc‑Antoine Charpentier’s radiant Te Deum, a hallmark of the French Baroque. Its orchestral brilliance and intricate choral writing offer a vivid contrast to the gentle intimacy of Fauré’s vision, capturing the splendour of 17th‑century France.

The Scholars Baroque Aotearoa will be led by conductor Chalium Poppy, joined by exceptional soloists from within the ensemble. The programme also features distinguished Wellington musician Douglas Mews, renowned for his mastery of historic keyboard instruments and celebrated performances across New Zealand and abroad.

A richly expressive evening of French elegance, colour, and choral beauty.

CONCERT III – SEASONAL CELEBRATION | November 22

Ode for St. Cecilia’s Day - G.F. Handel

Magnificat - A.L. Vivaldi

Concerto Grosso in G Minor - A. Corelli

Join Scholars Baroque Aotearoa for a luminous celebration of music’s power and the spirit of the season. Handel’s Ode for St Cecilia’s Day, inspired by Dryden’s vivid poetry, traces music’s journey from the creation of the cosmos to the triumphant sound of the last trumpet — a work overflowing with colour, energy, and irresistible word‑painting.

Vivaldi’s Magnificat, written for the extraordinary young musicians of Venice’s Ospedale della Pietà, reveals the full breadth of his sacred imagination: stark, almost austere opening harmonies give way to fiery choral writing, tender solo movements, and moments of radiant joy. It is a work shaped by the unique sound world of the Pietà’s all‑female ensemble, whose virtuosity and expressive depth inspired Vivaldi throughout his career.

Completing the programme is Corelli’s cherished “Christmas Concerto”, composed for his Roman patron and traditionally performed on Christmas Eve. Its elegant writing for concertino and ripieno, expressive slow movements, and the famous pastoral adagio evoke the stillness and warmth of the Nativity story. Long admired for its serenity and gentle lyricism, the concerto remains one of the Baroque era’s most beloved seasonal works.

Together, these pieces offer an evening of expressive singing, glowing orchestral textures, and Baroque music at its most joyful and life‑affirming — a celebration filled with the warmth, wonder, and luminous spirit of the Christmas season.