Mark Reidy
It took 15 years from the time Austrian composer, Josef Haydn, was commissioned by the clergy of Cadiz cathedral, to the first performance of “The Seven Last Words of Christ”, on Good Friday 1787. The composition, which sets music to the final utterances of Jesus from the cross, has since been used by millions of Christians across the globe as a Lenten devotion.
This tradition will continue at the newly dedicated St Benedict’s Church in Applecross on Sunday March 16 at 3pm. The music will be performed by “Ensemble Trastevere”, a string quartet made up of local artists, with each sonata introduced with a few words of reflection, as originally designed by Haydn.
Organiser’s of the event are excited at the opportunity that this performance will provide for those seeking to reflect on the sufferings of Christ within a unique and powerful format. The seven reflections, which are taken from the four gospels, are; “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do”, “Verily, I say unto you: this day you shall be with me in Paradise”, Woman, behold thy son: son, behold thy mother”, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”, “I thirst, I thirst”, “It is accomplished” and “Father, into Thy hands I commend My Spirit”.
Spokesperson Maree Miliauskas said that the event was the first of the parish’s Faith Enrichment series for 2008 and believes that the occasion will not only provide a meaningful expression of the Lenten journey, but “the four very talented young ladies” will also showcase the youth and vibrancy that exists within the Church.
Leader of the quartet and First Violin, Kathleen O’Hagan, has graduated with distinction from the Royal Academy of Music in London and currently plays with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. Other members, Anna O’Hagan (Second Violin), Elizabeth Dowson (Viola) and Amber Day (Cello), have also either graduated from the academy in London or UWA and/or have played and toured with the Australian Youth Orchestra.
The duration of the performance will be one hour and twenty minutes and refreshments will follow. Entry is by donation.
For more information contact Maree on 9315 1207