Musica Sacra: Giovanni Rovetta’s

Musica Sacra Chorus and Orchestra will perform Giovanni Rovetta’s Messa à 4 voci and Antonio Caldara’s Missa Dolorosa, 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 16, at St. Francis Xavier Church, 52nd Street and Troost Avenue.

In 1644, Rovetta became the chapelmaster of the Basilica of St. Mark's in Venice, Italy. He retained that post until his death nearly a quarter century later. Rovetta’s works consist mostly of psalms and Mass settings. Much of his music is unavailable on recordings and modern musical editions.

Caldara also had a connection to Venice. As a boy, he sang in the choir of St. Mark’s. Appointments in Mantua, Rome, Barcelona and Vienna attest to a successful career and widespread disposition of his works. He is best known as a composer of vocal music--operas, oratorios, cantatas, masses and motets. 

Caldara's rarely performed Missa Dolorosa is scored for strings and organ and features luxuriant melodies and pleasantly provocative harmonies.

Tickets for Musica Sacra Chorus and Orchestra are $18 for adults, $12 for students and senior citizens. To purchase tickets, call The Central Ticket Office, 816-235-6222, order online at www.rockhurst.edu/mstickets, or purchase at the performance. “Live Program Notes” will be presented before the concert at 6:15 p.m.