Beethoven Missa Solemnis

Monday, March 5, 2012.  7:30 pm

Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Avenue

Chicago Chorale and The Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest perform
Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 at Symphony Center in 2010


Jay Friedman, Conductor
Bruce Tammen, Chorus Director
Bill Chin, Symphony Chorus Master
Marcy Stonikas, Soprano
Tracy Watson, Mezzo-soprano
Kurt Hansen, Tenor
Peter van de Graaff, Bass

And a chorus of 125!

 

A pre-concert lecture will be presented by Carl Grapentine of WMFT at 6:30 pm

Tickets @ Symphony Center box office:  online or 312-294-3000

Season Members will receive a 20% discount when providing their Season Member discount code


First performed in 1824, Missa Solemnis is often viewed as Beethoven’s response to J.S. Bach’s Mass in B Minor, a work Beethoven in fact never heard, but of which he was intensely aware. Composed at the same time as the Ninth Symphony, it shares the symphony’s position at the peak of Beethoven’s compositional powers—his mastery allowed him to strive for expression beyond anything heard prior to it. This is powerful, transcendentally beautiful music for orchestra, chorus and soloists. Chicago Chorale returns to Symphony Center for this work, collaborating with Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest.


The Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest, founded in 1931, is one of the oldest continuing community symphony orchestras in the United States, and celebrated its 75th Anniversary (Diamond Jubilee) Season in 2005-2006.  Jay Kenneth Friedman, principal trombone with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, has been Music Director since 1995.  The Illinois Council of Orchestras has recognized the Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest with awards in 1998 (Programming of the Year), 1999 (Special Events of the Year), 2000 (Conductor of the Year), 2002 (Outstanding Community Relations), and 2004 (General Manager of the Year) (Orchestra of the Year).  The orchestra consists of approximately 100 musicians from the Chicago metropolitan area.  Over 85% are non-professional and volunteer their time and joy in making music.


Missa Solemnis program notes – download the pdf

Symphony Center information — The concert venue

The Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest — Jay Friedman, Conductor


 

Comments are closed.