On April 15, 2019, just before 6:20 p.m., a massive fire broke out in the roof of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. The blaze was intense. The world watched as the fire ravaged the centuries old cathedral as the fire took down the iconic wooden spire, destroyed most of the wooden roof, and left the upper walls badly damaged. Two days later, French President Emmanuel Macron set an ambitious five-year goal to restore the historic cathedral. On December 7, 2024, the cathedral bells at Notre-Dame rang for the first time since 2019 and the doors of Notre-Dame reopened.
In honor of the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, Taconic Opera will celebrate with a concert at St. Columbanus Catholic Church. It will present two of the most beautifully written yet rarely performed oratorios of the choral repertoire, by two of France’s renowned composers: Camille Saint-Saëns and Francis Poulenc.
On Saturday, March 22 at 2:00 p.m., and Sunday, March 23 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Columbanus Catholic Church located at 122 Oregon Rd, Cortlandt Manor, the Taconic Opera will perform Requiem by Camille Saint-Saëns and Stabat Mater by Francis Poulenc.
The chorus, soloists, and orchestra of the Taconic Opera will perform the Requiem of Saint-Saëns, well-known by many for his Christmas Oratorio. The company also will present Poulenc’s gorgeous Stabat Mater. While Poulenc’s Gloria is more famous, the Stabat Mater, with sumptuous soprano solos, is perhaps the greatest choral work written by this composer.
Each piece contains a component that makes it special: for the Requiem, it is the vibrant Gloria that lifts our spirit from the first few notes; for the Stabat Mater, it is a sumptuous soprano solo that elevates the whole composition to be perhaps Poulenc’s greatest choral achievement. Together, these two liturgical oratorios should create a memorable experience.
Both performances include professional lead singers, the Taconic Opera Orchestra and Chorus, and will be conducted by the company’s General Director, Dan Montez.
Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. There are discounts for seniors and students tickets with advance purchase. For tickets, visit the Taconic Opera website, click here or call (855) 886-7372.
Founded in 1997 by opera singer, composer, and General Director Dan Montez, Taconic Opera is in its 27th season. It is a recipient of ArtsWestchester’s “Organization of the Year” Award.
For more information about Taconic Opera and Dan Montez, visit taconicopera.org.
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