Gounod St. Cecilia Mass & Goodall Eternal Light

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Saturday, November 22nd, 2025
7:30 PM to 9:30 PM

Conducted by Maestro Peter Butterfield, the VPC presents Charles Gounod’s St. Cecilia Mass on St. Cecilia's official feast day, November 22, along with contemporary English composer Howard Goodall's Eternal Light.

Soloists are soprano Sara Schabas, bass-baritone Neil Craighead, and tenor Adam Schmidt. Simon MacDonald leads the 25-member orchestra, with Mark McDonald of Christ Church Cathedral, playing the organ.

This year marks the 170th anniversary of Charles Gounod's first major work, which premiered to critical and popular acclaim in Paris in 1855. The younger composer, Camille Saint-Saëns, said the piece “caused a kind of shock … at first one was dazzled, then charmed, then conquered.” If you’ve heard the mass before, you’ll know what Saint-Saëns was talking about. If not, you’re in for an experience. Please join us on November 22 to be dazzled, charmed, and conquered!

The second half of the performance is a Victoria premiere, Howard Goodall’s much-performed Eternal Light. Goodall describes this as a requiem for the living, and incorporates texts from English poems and hymns from the last five centuries to offer solace to those who mourn. Mr. Goodall is among the most versatile composers in the world, writing award-winning choral music, stage musicals and scores for TV and films including Mr. Bean, Red Dwarf, and the Vicar of Dibley. He is also a renowned music educator in internationally-broadcast projects such as Howard Goodall's Big Bangs.

The concert is approximately 2 hours long, and doors open by 7 pm. Festival seating. Accessibility entrance is on the Balmoral side. Ticket prices include all fees. Accompanied children under 13 are admitted free of charge, but must have a ticket.

Parking can be a challenge in the area around United Commons (formerly First Metropolitan United Church) so please allow yourself extra time for arrival.