The Chattanooga Bach Choir and Orchestra continues its Masterworks Series with a concert on Saturday, Feb. 22, celebrating the 250th anniversary of composer Ludwig van Beethoven's birth.
"All Beethoven" will begin at 8 p.m. in the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, 214 E. Eighth St.
The program will include Beethoven's Mass in C, Coriolan Overture, "Calm Seas and Prosperous Voyage" and "Elegiac Song." The Bach Choir last performed Mass in C during 2007, the 200th anniversary of Beethoven's birth.
"The Mass in C was composed and premiered in 1807, a year before his famous Symphony No. 5, as a commission from Prince Esterhazy, who also employed Haydn among other notable composers," says director David Long.
"The work is very much in the classical style, but characteristic elements - including sudden contrast between loud and soft passages along with syncopated rhythms - let the listener know that this is Beethoven and no one else."
The choir will be joined by guest artists Beth DuRoy, soprano; Rosella Ewing, mezzo-soprano; Christopher Reames of Cookeville, Tennessee, tenor; and Robert Harrelson of Shelby, North Carolina, bass.
The Bach Choir, which marks its 35th anniversary this year, was established to provide an opportunity for local musicians to perform choral masterpieces by Bach, Mozart, Brahms and more. To date, the choir has performed the works of more than 60 composers.
Tickets for Saturday night's concert are $25 and students are free.
For more information: http://www.chattanoogabachchoir.org/