Symphoniae Sacrae

Revel in the uplifting sounds of massed voices and orchestra as Van Diemen’s Band – replete with brass – six vocal soloists, and the Choir of St James’ showcase some of the most sublime repertoire ever written, alongside new works by Alice Chance and Brooke Shelley.

These sacred symphonies – a collection of vocal and instrumental works based on religious texts and designed to be performed in the church – follow a path from Venice to northern Germany during the tumultuous and heart-rending times of the Thirty Years War.

Featuring works by Gabrieli, Cavalli, Schütz and Schop, and selections from Monteverdi’s Selva morale e spirituale, this stunning program explores how the Venetian musical tradition paved the way for the golden era of northern German Baroque composition – ultimately leading to JS Bach himself. 

Connecting this music to the present day, two extraordinary Australian composers have created contemporary responses to this baroque repertoire – Brooke Shelley’s Et Versa Est Victoria and Alice Chance’s Au Nord – works that reimagine and recontextualize this rich musical heritage.