Charlottesville Symphony at the University of Virginia - Dvořák's Mass
The Charlottesville Symphony at the University of Virginia joins forces with the UVA University Singers for an inspiring weekend of music featuring Antonín Dvořák’s radiant Mass in D Major. Concerts take place Saturday, November 15 at 7:30 PM in Old Cabell Hall on the UVA Grounds, and Sunday, November 16 at 3:30 PM at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Performing Arts Center.
Under the batons of Benjamin Rous, Music Director of the Charlottesville Symphony, and Michael Slon, Conductor of the UVA University Singers, the performances bring together orchestra, chorus, and distinguished guest soloists. The soloists include:
Christina Pier, soprano, Acclaimed by Opera News for her “big, gleaming soprano and impressive coloratura.”
Emily Marvosh, contralto,
Jamison Walker, tenor
Kevin Spooner, bass-baritone
The November program opens with Johann Strauss II’s effervescent Overture to Die Fledermaus and continues with Dinuk Wijeratne’s vibrant Polyphonic Lively. The first half concludes with Dvořák’s rousing patriotic work, The Colors of the Flag from The American Flag. The centerpiece of the concert is Dvořák’s Mass in D Major, a radiant and deeply heartfelt work that blends soaring lyricism and spiritual warmth.
In-depth program notes by Program Annotator Laurie Shulman are posted on the orchestra’s website, www.cvillesymphony.org, two weeks prior to each Masterworks concert.
Guest artist support provided by the Davidson Guest Artist Fund, Angus Macaulay Visiting Artist Fund. Major season support provided by the Joseph and Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation.
Single tickets are $10-$53 for adults and $10 for students. UVA students may request one complimentary ticket in advance. Tickets may be purchased at the University of Virginia Arts Box Office, (434) 924-3376, 12:00-5:00pm, Tuesday through Friday in the lobby of the UVA Drama Building at 109 Culbreth Road, or online at www.artsboxoffice.virginia.edu. All University of Virginia employees (faculty and staff of all UVA departments and professional schools) are entitled to a 20% discount on tickets to individual performances. This offer does not apply to subscriptions, the December Family Holiday Concerts, “Pops at the Paramount” or previously purchased tickets.
ABOUT THE CHARLOTTESVILLE SYMPHONY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
The Charlottesville Symphony at the University of Virginia brings together professional musicians, university faculty, and exceptional student performers in concerts that inspire, connect, and enrich the community. Under the direction of Benjamin Rous, the Symphony performs a dynamic mix of classical masterworks, contemporary compositions, and collaborative programs with university and community ensembles.
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY SINGERS
The University Singers is the flagship choral ensemble of the University of Virginia Department of Music, led by conductor Michael Slon. Founded in 1957, the ensemble performs both a cappella and accompanied works, including major choral-orchestral repertoire in collaboration with the Charlottesville Symphony. Highlights include performances for UVA’s Bicentennial Launch Celebration, the regional premiere of Bernstein’s Mass at the Paramount Theatre, and concert tours across the U.S. and Europe. Open to all UVA students by audition, the University Singers represent a vibrant community united by musical excellence and tradition.
PROGRAM
STRAUSS II Overture to Die Fledermaus (1874) 9ʹ
WIJERATNE Polyphonic Lively (2016) 17ʹ30ʺ
DVOŘÁK “The Colors of the Flag” from The American Flag, Op. 102 (1893) 5ʹ
DVOŘÁK Mass in D major, Op. 86 (1887) 40ʹ
PARKING
Free parking is available in the UVA Central Grounds Parking Garage, located on Emmet Street South on Saturday nights and at Charlottesville High School’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Performing Arts Center on Sunday afternoons. The Charlottesville Free Trolley stops at McCormick Road near the UVA Amphitheater, in close proximity to Old Cabell Hall. Both venues are wheelchair accessible.
All events are subject to change.
Sign up for the weekly UVA Music email and follow @uvamusic on Facebook and Instagram, call the Department of Music at 434.924.3052 or write music@virginia.edu with any questions.