The Choral Society of Durham, under the direction of Rodney Wynkoop, will perform Beethoven's Missa Solemnis with orchestra on Saturday, May 8, 2010, at Duke Chapel.
This demanding and rarely performed work employs large orchestra, chorus, and solo quartet. Conceived for a ceremonial occasion, the Mass is a work of grandeur, in the tradition of Bach’s Mass in B Minor and the late masses of Mozart and Haydn. But it is also, as Beethoven’s inscriptions on the score tell us, a highly personal expression of the composer’s religious beliefs and ethical ideas, from the opening Kyrie (“from the heart, may it go to the heart”) to the closing Agnus Dei (“a prayer for inner and outer peace”).
The performance will take place in Duke University Chapel on Duke University's West Campus at 8 p.m.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.choral- society.org/tickets.html. Tickets are $20 for adults. Admission for students is free.
About The Choral Society of Durham:
The Choral Society of Durham has earned a reputation as one of the Southeast’s finest symphonic choruses. The 150-voice mixed chorus includes members from all walks of life, selected by audition from throughout North Carolina’s Triangle area.
Founded in 1949, the Choral Society of Durham (North Carolina) has a long-standing reputation for excellence in performing great choral literature with professional orchestra and regionally and nationally known soloists. We also engage in outreach to music students in area public schools. Our 32-voice Chamber Choir, often featured in portions of Choral Society concerts, also presents its own concerts and makes guest appearances in the community.
A nonprofit corporation, the Choral Society receives funding through ticket revenues, Friends donations, grants, CD sales and membership dues.
The Choral Society is a funded affiliate of the Durham Arts Council, which currently provides about 3% of our budget, plus office and rehearsal space in the Arts Council Building.
Our concerts are made possible in part through gifts to the Durham Arts Council United Arts Fund and support from the City of Durham, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.
Founded in 1949, the Choral Society of Durham (North Carolina) has a long-standing reputation for excellence in performing great choral literature. We are a non-profit and also engage in outreach to music students in area public schools. We rehearse on Monday evenings from 7:30 to 9:45 at the Durham Arts Council Building, from September to May. Auditions are held in September and January.
