• Beethoven:Missa Solemnis - CANCELLED

In common with other performing societies and in line with current regulations on social distancing, we have cancelled all our music-making activities until the end of August. In the meantime the Committee will keep the position under review to determine our future activities in the light of Government guidance.

The Waynflete Singers continue their fiftieth-year celebrations with Beethoven's monumental setting of the mass. Composed in the early 1820's, when the composer was totally deaf, the Missa Solemnis reveals his deep religious convictions and contains many passages which are technically and physically punishing for every performer combined with music which moves from great drama to moments of serene and lyrical beauty. On the score Beethoven wrote 'from the heart - may it go to the heart' and this sublime work (clearly intended for the concert hall rather than liturgical use) is a heartfelt declaration of faith. It is not only one of the peaks of Beethoven's art but also one one of the peaks of the choral repertory - a challenge for performers and conductor and a powerful experience for the listener.

Featuring the English Chamber Orchestra and a line-up of top-flight soloists under the direction of Andrew Lumsden, this will be an anniversary event of a very special nature.