Madison Symphony Presents Mass Appeal On March 4

Three Masterworks for Chorus and Organ The Madison Symphony Chorus joins forces with the Overture Concert Organ, played by MSO Principal Organist and Curator Samuel Hutchison, in a program of vocal and organ masterworks. Members of the Madison Symphony Orchestra (MSO) will accompany on violin, cello and bass.

The concert takes place Sunday, March 4 at 2:30 PM in Overture Hall, 201 State Street. Tickets are $15 for adults; $9 for students aged 13-18; and $3 for children under 12 with a paying adult.

The concert features three Missa Breve (literally, Short Masses) by composers throughout history. The Missa Brevis is a beloved choral form that has spanned the centuries. These "variations" on the Missa Brevis theme include some of the most thrilling examples of the musical form. The Missa Brevis of Zoltán Kodály (1882-1967), a prominent Hungarian composer and musician, began as a composition for solo organ and was expanded to include voices. Benjamin Britten, one of England's most prominent 20th-century composers, wrote the Missa Brevis in D in 1959 for the Westminster Cathedral Choir.

Mozart wrote his Missa Brevis in F in Salzburg in 1774 when he was only 18. He incorporated a theme from the Credo section into his beloved Symphony No. 41, "Jupiter," composed in 1788. Opening the program is the moving Hymn of Thanksgiving of Jean Langlais.

The Overture Concert Organ, inaugurated in November 2004, was commissioned by the MSO for its home in Overture Center. The instrument consists of 4,040 pipes, the tallest of which is 32 feet and the heaviest weighs in at more than 1,200 pounds. The 30-ton organ, believed to be the heaviest moveable object in any theater in the world, is installed on 16 giant steel wheels that roll the instrument gently into place for MSO performances.

Samuel Hutchison is the MSO's Principal Organist and Curator. A frequent recitalist, soloist and choral
conductor, he has performed throughout the United States and Europe. Hutchison performs regularly on the Overture Concert Organ and also directs a series of recitals, master classes and guest artist appearances in conjunction with the instrument.

The Madison Symphony Chorus, formed in 1927, first performed with the MSO in February 1928 and has
regularly collaborated with the orchestra in the ensuing 78 years. Led by Beverly Taylor, the Chorus is comprised of more than 125 volunteer vocalists. Hear the Chorus next in the MSO's performances of Carmina Burana, May 11-13, 2007 in Overture Hall.

By www.madisonsymphony.org