Spring Concert

F. Joseph Haydn’s “Lord Nelson Mass”

Sunday, May 2, 2010 at 7:00 PM

St. John's Oratorio Chorus, soloists and chamber orchestra

Joseph Haydn composed this mass, considered to be some of his finest work, late in his life and career. Haydn’s masses are, and have always been, appropriate for worship services, and were composed for that very purpose. While some composers were conflicted about God and religion, Haydn’s masses reflect his deep religious convictions, a distinction he shares with Bach and Handel. Today, Haydn’s masses are heard primarily in concert performances. Haydn noted this mass “Missa in Angustiis, (“Mass in anxious times”) in his catalog of works, but “Lord Nelson Mass” is the subtitle by which it is most commonly known.

Under the direction of Joyce Larson, the concert will feature St. John’s Oratorio Chorus, chamber orchestra, and professional soloists Linh Kauffman, soprano; Susan Druck, mezzo; Gary Ruschman, tenor; Aaron Larson, bass. Additionally, Ron Hasselmann, a member of St. John’s and retired Associate Principal Trumpet of the Minnesota Orchestra, will be a featured soloist performing the "Prayer of St. Gregory" by Alan Hovhaness.

Download the full-color poster here.