With the publication of the Monteverdi Vespers, Claudio Monteverdi single-handedly ushered Western music from one period to the next, pushing the boundaries of musical composition in ways that the world had never before dreamed.

Built around several Biblical texts, the Monteverdi Vespers display Monteverdi’s brilliant assimilation of styles – the popular madrigal style with that of the new operatic writing comparable only to Bach’s great Mass in B minor. Featuring virtuosic writing for both voices and instruments, this piece is a musical snapshot
of the rich musical language heard at St Mark’s Basilica in Venice at the dawn of the Baroque era.

To mark the 400th anniversary of the Monteverdi Vespers, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs invites you to travel back to early 17th century Venice with a one-off performance featuring period instruments. Celebrate Monteverdi’s masterpiece by experiencing it live in the beautiful setting of City Recital Hall Angel Place.