Unity through music in divisive times is the inspiration behind the Greenville Chorale’s “A Pair of Mystical Masterworks” program on May 3 at First Baptist Greenville.
The centerpieces of the concert are two works that speak of peace, hope and love: Haydn’s “Little Organ Mass” (1775) and contemporary American composer Jake Runestad’s “The Hope of Loving” (2015).
“Both pieces try to promote the idea of unity,” said Anthony Bernarducci, the Chorale’s artistic director and conductor. “The program shows how works composed many years apart can have similar messages.”
The “Little Organ Mass” or “Missa Brevis” is one of Haydn’s most beloved shorter sacred works, a piece of classical elegance.
It earned its name from the graceful and prominent organ solo in the Benedictus, one of the better-known movements of the piece. It features a lyrical dialogue between soprano and organ, performed in this concert by soprano Lisa Barksdale and organist Charles Tompkins.
A string quintet will also accompany portions of the program.
“The Hope of Loving,” meanwhile, is a six-movement piece featuring lush contemporary harmonies and set to a text from Daniel Ladinsky’s “Love Poems from God,” translating the works of various mystical poets.
In addition to these major works, the concert will feature English composer Hubert Parry’s “I Was Glad” as well as Bernarducci’s own piece “When I Rise Up,” composed during the COVID lockdown. The program features some traditional numbers such as “Amazing Grace” and “Bound for the Promised Land.”
Bernarducci said the evening’s texts were chosen for their spirit of hope and renewal.
Want to go?
What: Greenville Chorale: “A Pair of Mystical Masterworks”
When: May 3, 3 p.m.
Where: First Baptist Greenville Sanctuary, 847 Cleveland St.
Tickets: $40 adults; $20 students
Info: 864-235-1101 or greenvillechorale.org
