Elgin Master Chorale contemplates the divine with Beethoven's Mass in C Major
On Sunday, Nov. 12, join the Elgin Master Chorale for a performance continuing this season's theme of "Emerging Truths: Reflections and Realizations."
Ludwig van Beethoven's first mass was not initially appreciated for its groundbreaking approach, as it was simpler and humbler than the grander Viennese model of the time.
The German composer chose his focus "not on God or princes," but on a more personal contemplation of the divine from a condition of inner peace.
The fall concert will begin at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12, in the Blizzard Theater at Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive.
Tickets are $31 or $26 for seniors or students. Tickets are available via www.eccartscenter.org/events/ire/ or call the ECC box office at (847) 622-0300.
Accompanied by the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, the Elgin Master Chorale will be performing two works by Beethoven, the famous Mass in C Major, and the underperformed "Hallelujah" chorus from the oratorio "Christ on the Mount of Olives
On this same program, the Chorale presents "Credo" by 20th-century African American composer and pianist Margaret Bonds.
Inspired by the text of American historian and civil rights activist W.E.B. Du Bois, it showcases the composer's mastery of blending Western classical and spiritual traditions in an organic and original way.
The chorale will finish out the year at the Elgin Symphony Orchestra's popular "Holiday Spectacular." The concert of seasonal music will feature the chorale and the Integrity School of Dance.
The concerts at the Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin will be at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. There also will be a concert at the Raue Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8.
The Elgin Master Chorale, an In-Residence Ensembles at ECC, is comprised of approximately 85 adult singers - admitted by audition only - who share a passion for choral masterworks and other fine choral repertoire.
To learn more about the chorale, visit elginmasterchorale.org.