Jakub Józef Orliński in de Dominicuskerk

Pergolesi's masterpiece

The Polish countertenor Jakub Józef Orliński has conquered the world in a short time. His warm, supple 'voice of an angel' ( The Sunday Times ) makes him beloved by a large audience. And with his physical presence – he is also a model and breakdancer – and sense of drama, GenZ is also captivated by him. He performs with the baroque ensemble Il Pomo d'Oro. From the first album Orliński made with this Italian ensemble (2018), it is striking how well attuned they are to one another. Add the New Zealand soprano Madison Nonoa to them, and Pergolesi's much-loved Stabat Mater takes on an unearthly glow.

Dominicus Church

The atmosphere and acoustics of the Dominicus Church certainly contribute to this. The Saturday Matinee makes a special excursion to this Neo-Gothic church on Spuistraat, designed by Pierre Cuypers (Central Station and Rijksmuseum) and built in the same period as the Concertgebouw. A Greek traditional, works by unknown Baroque masters, and by Arvo Pärt complete the program.

'The most perfect and moving duet that has ever flowed from a composer's pen.' - Philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau on the opening movement of Pergolesi's Stabat Mater .