BeTONt (1) Stabat Mater - Pergolesi und Pärt in einem Konzert

CoGNiMUS presents semi-staged performances of the “Stabat Mater” settings by G.B. Pergolesi and Arvo Pärt.

Theperformance explores the central message that grief, compassion, and consolation cannot be viewed solely as religious themes, but are rather a shared human experience that transcends cultural and religious boundaries. The architecture of St. Gertrud becomes an active part of the experience.

Under the musical direction of Yorgos Ziavras, you will experience the two very different settings of the medieval poem “Stabat Mater.” Pergolesi’s Baroque setting for soprano, alto, strings, and basso continuo from 1736 meets Pärt’s minimalist composition for three vocal parts and string trio from 1985. Two musical languages, separated by nearly 250 years, approach the same text and its central image: a mother mourning her deceased child.

BeTONt (1) Stabat Mater kicks off a concert residency in the churches of Gottfried Böhms (1920–2021). The style of the Cologne-based architect was inspired by the possibilities of his time while remaining deeply rooted in tradition—an approach that CoGNiMUS translates into music. Over the course of the series, historical repertoire meets contemporary composition, sound installations, staged performances, and participatory formats. Each program is developed through a direct engagement with the history, structure, and acoustic characteristics of the respective venue.

Arvo Pärt – Stabat Mater
for soprano, alto, tenor, and string trio

Giovanni Battista Pergolesi – Stabat Mater
for soprano, alto, strings, and basso continuo

Yorgos Ziavras, musicaldirector
Nina Koufochristou, soprano
Gerben van der Werfen, countertenor
T.B.A., tenor
Michaela Winterstein, performer
Panos Zygouros, Video and Direction

With the ensemble of the CoGNiMUS Collective.

At 7:00 p.m., in collaboration with architectural historian Dr. Alexander Kierdorf, there will be a pre-concert talk focusing on architectural history.

The project is supported by the Kunststiftung NRW, the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, the Karin and Uwe Hollweg Foundation, the Society for the Administration of Neighboring Rights (GVL), the Cultural Affairs Office of the City of Cologne, and Pax-Bank for the Church and Caritas.