I saw this concert from the second row in Spaulding – not ideal for sound with large choral works, but always interesting to be up close to the first violin and the soloists. The concert was sold out, but there were 2 empty seats on either side of me.
The start was the most famous Bach Orchestral Suite No. 3, with the very familiar “Air”. I suppose this was to make the pre-intermission segment a bit longer, as the Magnificat is a relatively short piece.
The Stabat Mater filled the second half. I had never heard this live before, and it was really wonderful, particularly the duets and quartets with the soloists. Soprano Esteli Gomez and tenor Derek Chester particularly shone, especially with the “Fac ut portem”.