Sydney Chamber Choir's first concert of 2010 delivers a luscious mix of music from the 16th century to the present day.

Conductor: Paul Stanhope

Guest artists: Ironwood

Mystic minimalist Arvo Pärt celebrates his 75th birthday in 2010 – not that anyone should need an excuse to perform such breathtakingly beautiful music! ‘Tintinnabulation’ is the technical name, but the technique, inspired by the clear, pure sound of ringing bells, offers a listening experience unlike any other. It may be Sydney outside, but in Verbrugghen Hall, you will be far away in a place of uttermost calm.

The program also features the Australian premiere of Scotsman James MacMillan’s Tenebrae Responsories, inspired by the strikingly dramatic harmonies of Renaissance master Carlo Gesualdo. And then it seemed only fair to let Gesualdo speak for himself…

ARVO PÄRT: Berlin Mass

CARLO GESUALDO: Selections from the Tenebrae Responsories for Easter Saturday

JAMES MACMILLAN: Tenebrae Responsories – selections (Australian premiere)

JOSEPH HAYDN: Consummatum Est from The Seven Last Words of Christ on the Cross

ANTONIO LOTTI: Crucifixus a 8