Ludwig van Beethoven

Missa Solemnis in D Major (Solemn Mass)
Opus 123

Friday, May 11, 8pm
Saturday, May 12, 8pm

Belk Theater

Christopher Warren-Green, conducting
Tamara Wilson, soprano 
Nancy Maultsby, mezzo-soprano 
Yeghishe Manucharyan, tenor 
Richard Zeller, baritone

Missa Solemnis is considered by many to be Beethoven's crowning achievement. It took Beethoven 3 years to compose this imposing and highly personal work. Beethoven began composing Missa Solemnis in 1819.  It was first performed on April 7, 1824 in St. Petersburg. The work was dedicated to Archduke Rudolf of Austria, archbishop of Olomouc, Beethoven's primary patron as well as pupil and friend. The copy presented to Rudolf was inscribed "From the heart – may it return to the heart!" Read more. >

Missa Solemnis is presented in part through a generous gift from Joyce and Larry Bennett.