If you go
National Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorale
Hayden’s “Lord Nelson Mass”
Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 2
Where: The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda
When: 8 p.m. Saturday (pre-concert lecture at 7 p.m.)
Info: $29 to $79, children ages 7 to 17 are free; 301-581-5100; nationalphilharmonic.org
If 18th-century composer Franz Joseph Hayden were alive today, he would no doubt appreciate the following comment by mezzo-soprano Magdalena Wor relevant to one of his choral masterworks: “The ‘Lord Nelson Mass’ is so well-written that it practically sings itself,” she said. “It is a joy to perform.”
Wor, soprano Sherri Seiden, tenor Leif Aruhn-Solen and American bass Kevin Deas, along with the National Philharmonic’s nearly 200-voice, all-volunteer chorale, will perform the “Lord Nelson Mass” on Saturday evening at The Music Center at Strathmore. This majestic production, as well as Felix Mendelssohn’s grand Symphony No. 2, “Hymn of Praise,” will be conducted by Predrag Gosta.
The former assistant conductor of the National Philharmonic, Gosta is a native of Belgrade, Serbia, where he studied violin. After receiving an undergraduate degree and postgraduate certificate at Trinity College of Music in London, he went on to earn three master of music degrees at Georgia State University. Gosta is founder and artistic director of Atlanta’s period instrument orchestra, New Trinity Baroque, as well as the music director and conductor of the Gwinnett Ballet Theatre in Atlanta.
“I have had the pleasure of working with him several times and look forward to this collaboration,” Wor continued, noting that, as opposed to opera where staging and character development is paramount, the Hayden Mass involves communicating the words and their meaning to the audience as the performers sing in one spot.
Seiden, who also is very enamored of the piece, is adamant about conveying every nuance of meaning to the audience.
“The opening movement has the challenge of communicating the desperate desire for God’s mercy but without a feeling of being agitated,” she said. “I think Hayden’s opening with a minor key helps show the need for God’s mercy.”
Celebrating Hayden’s death 200 years ago, the “Lord Nelson Mass,” named for the British admiral who defeated Napoleon in Egypt and Italy, is a celebratory work scored for three trumpets, timpani, strings and organ. The finale is a triumphant tribute to life and composer.
Mendelssohn’s magnificent choral Symphony No. 2 is a grand composition of three orchestral movements followed by nine movements for chorus and/or soloists and orchestra.
