The Los Angeles Master Chorale will present its first performances of Beethoven’s powerful Missa solemnis in 13 years on its own concert series on Saturday, Jan. 21, at 2 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 22, at 7 p.m. at Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Heralded as a pillar of the choral and orchestral repertoire, the work is considered a specialty of the Master Chorale that last performed the work with Artistic Director Grant Gershon in Disney Hall in 2004.
Although Beethoven is believed to have called Missa solemnis (“solemn Mass”) his greatest work, the piece is not frequently performed owing to the large number of resources it requires, including a full choir, large orchestra and four soloists. It is also exceptionally technically challenging.
“The Missa solemnis is like an epic journey up the river of Beethoven’s tormented psyche as he struggles to find faith at the end of his life,” Gershon said in a press release. “There is no chorus on the planet that sings this transcendently challenging music with more visceral power and breathtaking beauty than the Los Angeles Master Chorale. If you love Beethoven, you cannot miss this!”
Joining Gershon and the 115-member Master Chorale for the January performances will be soloists Raquel González (soprano), Allyson McHardy (mezzo soprano), Arnold Livingston Geis (tenor) and Rod Gilfry (bass).
Culture Spot LA readers can win a pair of tickets to the concert on Saturday. Email editor@culturespotla.com with LAMC in the subject line to enter the drawing.
LOCATION: Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., LA
TICKETS:
Online: lamasterchorale.org
Phone: (213) 972-7282
KEEP IN MIND:
There is a Women’s March organized for downtown L.A. that morning. Plan accordingly.