Sun., Oct. 18, 2009
Mendelssohn, Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten
Palestrina, Missa Brevis
Vivaldi, Credo

Musica Sacra Chorus and Orchestra opens its season with outstanding works by Antonio Vivaldi, Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina and Felix Mendelssohn. Celebrating the 200th anniversary of Mendelssohn’s birth, Musica Sacra will perform one of the composer’s rarely heard chorale cantatas, Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten. This work reflects the structural influence of Johann Sebastian Bach and the richness of early romantic harmonies. Palestrina’s “Missa Brevis” represents the opulent polyphony of the late 16th century, while Vivaldi’s “Credo” infuses a sacred choral genre with dramatic flair and sensibility.

Fri., Dec. 4, 2009
Durante, Magnificat
Boccherini, Gloria
Corelli, Christmas Concerto (Orch only)
Traditional Carols

Musica Sacra presents its popular annual Christmas concert by performing works from 18th-century Italy. Rich with melodic content, the chorus and orchestra will perform Francesco Durante’s Magnificat, Luigi Boccherini’s Gloria and Arcangelo Corelli’s “Christmas” Concerto. Boccherini’s Gloria presents a rarely heard choral/orchestral work by a composer almost exclusively known for his instrumental music. The orchestra will perform Corelli’s “Christmas” Concerto, composed by the founder of modern violin technique and featuring a charming pastorale. Durante’s music incorporates plainchant and glorious Neapolitan baroque melodies. The concert concludes with traditional Christmas carols.

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