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Scholars Baroque Aotearoa chamber choir will perform their second concert of the 2025 season, which champions much-loved composer Ludwig van Beethoven.

Scholars Baroque Aotearoa will present Beethoven’s Mass in C, and young scholar David Jiang will perform Piano Sonata No 8 in C Minor, on September 13 at Mount Maunganui and September 14 at Rotorua.

Featuring Christchurch organist Jeremy Woodside and an impressive lineup of New Zealand soloists, the concert brings together two distinct but equally powerful works.

Composed from 1807-08, Mass in C is one of Beethoven’s early sacred choral compositions, written at a time when he was developing his distinctive style.

Piano Sonata No 8 in C Minor, commonly known as Sonata Pathétique, was written in 1798 when the composer was 27. It has remained one of his most celebrated compositions, says Scholars Baroque Aotearoa conductor Chalium Poppy.

“This is a concert of immense power and beauty. Both works are extremely dramatic. The Mass in C will feature some exceptionally fine expressive and colourful singing that the Scholars Baroque are now famous for.

“It is Jiang’s last year with us as one of our choral scholars before we say goodbye to him as he leaves for university.

David Jiang will perform Piano Sonata No 8 in C Minor.

“He was one of the finalists this year in the symphony’s concerto competition, so we felt it was right to celebrate him. The Pathétique is full of frustration and angst as it comes from the time Beethoven wrestled with his loss of hearing.”

Scholars Baroque Aotearoa will present Mass in C at St Peter’s Anglican Church, 15 Victoria Rd, Mount Maunganui, on September 13 at 7.30pm; and St Luke’s Anglican Church, 1223 Amohia St, Rotorua, on September 14 at 2.30pm.

For ticket purchase and information, visit: www.scholarsbaroque.com