AB1 James Judd

Ludwig van Beethoven: Missa solemnis


Friday, February 17, 2023, 7:00 PM, Season Cycle B
Concert Hall of SPh,
Price: 20, 16 €
Slovak Philharmonic
Slovak Philharmonic Choir
James Judd 
conductor
Thomas Lang choirmaster
Ľubica Vargicová soprano
Veronika Hajnová 
mezzosoprano
Aleš Briscein tenor
Ondrej Mráz bass
Ludwig van Beethoven Missa Solemnis in D major, Op. 123

In the marathon of music history, several times we come across titles – symbols. One of them is definitely Missa solemnis by Ludwig van Beethoven. In the Ninth Symphony, the German genius paid tribute to humanism on the platform of secular music. The impressive and at the same time intensely poetic Missa solemnis brings a similar message in the area of sacred works. The composer wanted to celebrate the consecration of his friend Archduke Rudolph as Archbishop of Olomouc. Due to its interpretative demands and length, the work eventually became more popular in concert halls than in liturgical ceremonies.

Charismatic English conductor James Judd, former chief conductor of the Slovak Philharmonic, will lead an ensemble of vocal soloists, choir and orchestra. Graduates of the Bratislava Conservatory and the Academy of Performing Arts Ľubica Vargicová and Veronika Hajnová will perform alongside Czech tenor Aleš Briscein and Slovak colleague Ondrej Mráz. The Slovak Philharmonic Choir will be prepared by choir master Thomas Lang, whose regular guest appearances always bring excellent results.