Haydn's Seven Last Words Concert
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The Seven Last Words
Sunday, March 22, 2026 • 7:00 pm
Cloverdale United Church
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Join us for a superb performance of Joseph Haydn’s Seven Last Words featuring professional soloists, accomplished choral singers, and a professional-level string ensemble.
The Seven Last Words of Our Saviour on the Cross (Die sieben letzten Worte unseres Erlösers am Kreuze), Hob. XX/2, is a contemplative oratorio written by Joseph Haydn in 1796 for Good Friday, based on his earlier orchestra-only work of the same name. Each of the seven movements reflects one of Christ’s statements spoken from the cross, unfolding through rich orchestral writing and featuring choral and solo vocal settings that bring the text to life. Regarded by Haydn as one of his finest works, the oratorio combines drama, reflection, and spiritual depth, a powerful and immersive experience.
This promises to be an outstanding evening both for classical music lovers and for anyone looking for a unique way to enrich their spiritual journey through the Christian religious season of Lent. One of four performances being offered in Metro Vancouver in March 2026, this will be the only performance taking place in the South-of-the-Fraser (Delta-Surrey-Langley) portion of the region.
The work will be sung in English, with narration and a moving visual image show providing the text in real time. The performance lasts just under one hour, and is offered without intermission.
Olivia Selig, Dinah Ayre, Steve Froese, and Jack Foster, soloists
Members of Vancouver's Vivaldi Chamber Choir
Ensemble Harmonia
Edette Gagné, conductor
Tony Lee, producer
Net proceeds from ticket sales, after costs, will benefit the Surrey Women's Centre (http://www.surreywomenscentre.ca/). A crisis centre located in Surrey, the Surrey Women's Centre works in collaboration with the medical and justice communities for the safety and care of survivors and children escaping violence, empowering survivors and changing the definition of 'victim', with the goal of seeing gender-based violence diminish and one day disappear from our cultural lexicon. As the sufferings of Christ are remembered in this season, let us all work together to support and empower ones suffering from violence in our own midst.