Antonín Dvořák is best known as an orchestral composer, especially for his popular New World Symphony, but at St Albans Bach Choir’s next concert they have gone for the more unusual choice of his Stabat Mater.

Although composed in response to the deaths of Dvořák’s three children, this major work is ultimately hopeful and positive, reflecting a deep and serene faith and using the combination of human voices and rich orchestral colour to reach out towards the sublime.

A performance in London’s Royal Albert Hall in 1883 brought the Czech composer his first major success abroad. He wrote to a friend: “At the end, the applause was so great that I had to thank the audience again and again. At the same time the orchestra and choir overwhelmed me from the other side with the heartiest ovations. In short it turned out better than I could ever have hoped for”. The Stabat Mater went on to be performed around the world and its success led several British choirs to commission music from Dvořák.

Music Director Andrew Lucas says: “Dvořák’s Stabat Mater is performed very infrequently these days, though when it was composed and first performed it was hailed as a masterpiece. It’s a very moving setting by one of the great symphonic composers of the nineteenth century, which makes it stand out from settings of this text by other composers, wonderful though they are.

“The depth of expression, power and colour portrayed by Dvořák induces a similar response in the audience and I am so pleased that St Albans Bach Choir has decided to perform this wonderful work.”

For the solo movements the choir is joined by a team of internationally renowned singers Eleanor Dennis (soprano), Alison Kettlewell (contralto), Sam Furness (tenor) and Martin Robson (bass). Orchestra Sinfonia Verdi complete the line-up.

St Albans Cathedral, St Albans, AL1 1BY, Saturday, April 1, from 7pm. Details: 01727 890210