Beethoven’s monumental Missa Solemnis unites orchestra, chorus, and soloists in a rare, deeply human meditation on faith, turmoil, peace, and transcendence under Maestro Masur’s baton.
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The work took four years to complete, though Beethoven was working on several other important projects — such as his final three piano sonatas and his Ninth Symphony — concurrently.
The composer took a “solemn mass,” and because he was Beethoven, what could be a traditional, liturgical piece is transformed beneath his hands into an incredibly expressive, larger-than-life work of art.
The exploration within Missa Solemnis is vast; the listener can contemplate war and peace, prayer and turmoil, brotherhood and strife, humanity and higher power, realism and idealism. The range and stamina required of the vocalists and chorus are demanding throughout. You don’t want to miss this seldom performed and challenging work of music and voices!
My chief aim was to awaken and permanently instill spiritual feelings not only in the singers but in the listeners.
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Missa Solemnis
Ken-David Masur, Conductor
Vocalists To Be Announced
Charleston Symphony Chorus (Nicholas Quardokus, Director)
College of Charleston Concert Choir
Ken-David Masur is Music Director of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Principal Conductor of the Chicago Symphony’s Civic Orchestra, and Artistic Partner of the Oregon Bach Festival.
The San Diego Union-Tribune described Masur as “fearless, bold, and a life-force.”
Masur has conducted distinguished orchestras including the LA Phil; the Baltimore, Detroit, Chicago, and San Francisco Symphonies; l’Orchestre National de France; Minnesota Orchestra, Rochester Philharmonic, and NY Phil. He has also made regular appearances at Ravinia, Tanglewood, the Hollywood Bowl, Grant Park, and international festivals.
