New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Delivers Powerful Performance of Stabat Mater

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO) captivated audiences on October 2, 2023, during a performance of Rossini’s *Stabat Mater* at the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington. Conducted by Italian maestro Valentina Peleggi, the evening showcased the emotional depth and melodic richness of Rossini’s interpretation of the Virgin Mary’s sorrow during the Crucifixion.

The response to Rossini’s work has transformed significantly since its debut. Initially, critics deemed it overly sensuous for such a solemn subject. Yet, the NZSO audience embraced the piece, reveling in its melodic innovation and dramatic restraint. Peleggi’s direction emphasized a remarkable elasticity in the musical lines, allowing the emotional weight of the text to resonate deeply throughout the performance.

The concert featured four soloists who each contributed unique elements to the performance, though their voices did not always blend seamlessly. Australian baritone Jeremy Kleeman impressed with his resonant tone and clarity, while local mezzo-soprano Anna Pierard infused her seventh-act solo with profound feeling and warmth. The night also showcased the exceptional talents of Voices New Zealand, whose precision and sensitivity reinforced their status as the country’s leading vocal ensemble.

While the performance of Rossini’s *Stabat Mater* was met with acclaim, the evening also introduced a thought-provoking contrast with the premiere of New Zealand composer Victoria Kelly‘s own *Stabat Mater*. Kelly’s composition critiques the traditional portrayals of women’s suffering that pervade classical music and literature. Her libretto presents a more empowered Mary, one who “does not wait … does not mourn.”

Musically, Kelly’s work opened new pathways, beginning with haunting notes from the oboe and singing bowl that suggested a foreboding atmosphere. The clarity and simplicity of her musical textures, along with the delicate sweeps of string passages, harked back to the Baroque soundscape of sacred music. Though sharing a similar emotional intensity with Rossini’s piece, Kelly’s composition offered a more stringent and questioning approach.

In her interpretation, Mary is transformed into a figure of strength, wielding a sword and asserting her agency. The phrase “stabat mater,” meaning “the mother stood,” takes on new significance in Kelly’s rendition, as she reimagines the narrative of suffering into one of resilience and defiance.

The juxtaposition of Rossini’s traditional interpretation with Kelly’s modern perspective created a powerful dialogue about women’s roles in art and the narratives that have historically defined them. This concert not only highlighted the remarkable talents of the NZSO and its soloists, but also underscored the ongoing evolution of classical music in reflecting contemporary values and discussions.