Beethoven's epic "Missa Solemnis" to conclude season on Sunday May 19
Steeple Concerts at St. Paul’s is proud to present its annual Masterworks Concert at 5:00 PM on Sunday, May 19, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 414 East Broad Street, in Westfield, NJ. The program will feature Ludwig van Beethoven's epic "MissaSolemnis" with full chorus and orchestra. The concert will be followed by a reception with an opportunity to meet the artists.
Beethoven wrote this large-scale Mass setting for orchestra, choir, and soloists as a gift to his patron and friend Archduke Rudolph Rainier, who was being ordained as an Archbishop in 1820. Beethoven was at the full height of his creative powers at this point and held nothing back for this work. The ever-increasing scale of the project soon became apparent as Beethoven worked on the Mass for three additional years, with the first performance of the work finally taking place in the spring of 1824.
Written at the same time as his more famous Ninth Symphony, this work is often viewed as one Beethoven’s supreme achievements, cited as one of the great choral works alongside Bach’s "B-minor Mass” and Mozart’s “Requiem”. It is an incredible display of virtuosity for the choir, orchestra, and soloists alike and is rarely performed in its entirety. Join us for this exciting opportunity to experience thrilling music in a beautiful setting!
The Masterworks Concert is always a highlight of the Steeple Concert series, with soloists, full chorus featuring the choir of St. Paul’s Church and the community, and professional orchestra. The conductor is Mark Hyczko, Director of Music at St. Paul’s.
The concert will take place on Sunday, May 19, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 414 East Broad Street, in Westfield, NJ. Tickets to the concert are priced at $40 for adults and $20 for students, and are available on the Steeple Concerts website at www.steepleconcerts.org. Parking for the concert is available in the St. Paul’s parking lot off Euclid Avenue or on St. Paul’s Street next to the church.