Works for Chorus with soloists and orchestra

Haydn: Missa Sancti Nicolai ('Nikolaimesse') No. 6 in G major (1772)

Haydn: Symphony No. 45 in F-sharp minor ("Farewell" Symphony) (1772)

Mozart: Solemn Vespers (Vesperae solennes de confessore - KV 339) (1780)

Orchestra: St Chad's Camerata

Soprano: Deborah Miles-Johnson
Mezzo Soprano: Claire Seaton
Tenor: Jeremy Budd
Bass: Michael Bundy

The "Farewell" Symphony was written for Haydn's patron, Prince Nikolaus Esterházy, while he, Haydn and the court orchestra were at the Prince's summer palace in Eszterhaza. The stay there had been longer than expected, so, in the last movement of the symphony, Haydn subtly hinted to his patron that perhaps he might like to allow the musicians to return home: during the final adagio each member of the orchestra snuffed out his candle and tiptoed from the stage until only Haydn and the lead violinist remained. The Prince took the hint and they returned home at the beginning of November.

The compostition of Missa Sancti Nicolai rounds off the story of that event. On returning to Vienna, Haydn composed a mass for the Prince to be given on his name-day, the Feast of St. Nicolaus on December 6, 1772.

Mozart's Solemn Vespers is a setting of the evening Vespers and is remarkable for its harmonic invention, rhythmic vitality and seamless blending of solo voices and chorus with instrumental lines. It includes the much loved and beautiful aria Laudate Dominum.

Tickets: £17.50, £15.00, £10.00 and £7:50

Under 19s: 1 free ticket with 1 adult ticket purchased or free standby opportunities on the day of the concert (subject to availability).

Alan Eley, 01543 264674
Lichfield Cathedral Bookshop, 01543 306150

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