Your only chance to see some of the best Island singers at this performance of two Glorias by Vivaldi and Puccini at Aspire, Ryde on Saturday, 2nd May at 7pm.

Camerata is again this spring bringing together professional and amateur singers/musicians for a performance of the ever popular Gloria by Vivaldi and Messa di Gloria by Puccini. Every great composer has written a piece to rejoice in the glory of God, and there could be no two greater celebrations of the perfect being. Believers and non-believers, this is quite a moment.

Gloria by Vivaldi
Vivaldi, whose greatest passion was his patronage of a hostel for unfortunate women in his home of Venice, delivered the first performance of his Gloria at the church of the same charity. The singers, tenors and basses included, were all women inmates.

The women, who may well have been the illegitimate offspring of the debauched Venetian aristocracy, performed from behind ornate screens so as not to “distract the audience” (beautifully recreated on BBC four and now on YouTube).

The Camerata singers will be fully visible.

Messa di Gloria by Puccini
Messa di Gloria by Puccini, the composer of some of the most celebrated and performed operas has been described as “unashamedly operatic”. While there is no aria for soprano solo worthy of Maria Callas, the work provides a soaring duet, being performed by two of the choir members.

There are also starring tenor and baritone solos/duet that are unmistakably the passionate and stirring, yet brooding and thoughtful creation of this greatest of Italians. The opera chorus includes an intricate and circular fugue that will give you little chance to rest, for 17 minutes.

Tickets are still available from the Camerata Choir Website. £15 in advance, £18 on the door.

Tickets: Adult - £15, Student/ under 16s - £7.50

VIP Ticket - £25 - including: reserved seat, complimentary programme and interval refreshments, an invitation to post concert evening.