Leonard Bernstein’s “Mass”

Celebration of Heritage Series – Leonard Bernstein’s Mass

Bernstein’s rarely performed Mass, commissioned by Jacqueline Kennedy for the opening of the Kennedy Center, surprises us on many levels. Along with classical idioms, it employs the sounds of Broadway, American blues and jazz. It follows the structure of the traditional religious ritual, but when a raucous street choir invades the ceremony, it calls into question the very notion of faith. Its central role, “the celebrant” is among the most challenging in the baritone repertoire. As True Concord Voices & Orchestra prepares for its landmark production at Centennial Hall, Music Director Eric Holtan will provide insights to this unique work and discuss Bernstein’s pivotal role in American music, assisted by one of True Concord’s outstanding singers.