PANAJI
What happens when the grandeur of Italian opera meets the reverence of sacred music? You get Gioachino’s Rossini’s Stabat Mater—a masterpiece full of emotion and meaning.
And for the first time in Goa, the Stuti Choral Ensemble, led by Parvesh Java, will bring this iconic piece to life, blending operatic drama with the sublime grace of sacred choral music.
Dedicated to Mother Mary, Stabat Mater is a classical poem from the Catholic liturgy that resonates deeply with Goans as ‘Dukhest Avoi Dukhan Borit’, often sung during the Good Friday ceremony of the Descent from the Cross.
Rossini’s interpretation transforms this timeless hymn into an unforgettable musical experience, combining the majesty of opera with the spiritual depth of sacred music.
Stuti’s performance will take place on November 23 at the Mission Seminary Chapel in Pilar and November 24 at St Anthony Church in Siolim, from 7 to 8 pm. The concert is free, with seating on a first-come, first-served basis.
The performance will feature four soloists, along with trumpet, flute and clarinet parts, adding new depth to the choir and string orchestra.
Since the original Stabat Mater was written for a full orchestra, Java has rearranged it to suit Stuti’s ensemble, making it accessible to Goan audiences while keeping its richness intact. This version also brings out parts of the music that are often hidden in larger productions.
