Masterworks Chorale closes season with ‘Nelson Mass’

Louisiana Choral Foundation’s Masterworks Chorale will present its final concert of the season, “Nelson Mass,” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 3, and 3 p.m. Sunday, May 5, in McNeese State University’s Tritico Theatre.

Formally titled “Missa in Angustiis” by composer Joseph Haydn, the concert will feature five movements each reflecting the unsettling political climate surrounding Haydn during the time of its conception.

“The text is quite elaborate with lots of mood changes,” Darryl Jones, artistic director, said. “The tempos and the way the mass is put together is really exciting. It’s very meaningful and very theatrical in the delivery.”

The concert will feature the vocals of the Masterworks Chorale plus vocal soloists from past and present McNeese Chamber Singers.

“The singers are doing a great job with this and really delivering the text,” he said.

One of the most performed vocal works of Haydn, Jones said the choir and orchestra are working hard to preserve the original spirit of the work.

Despite being written during a time of anguish, Hayd “writes it in such a way that is very joyful and very uplifting,” Jones said.

The orchestral accompaniment will follow the original style of the work from Haydn’s time including a very small orchestra due to a lot of inflation during his patronage. True to the style, the weekend’s concert will feature a string quarter, two trumpets, a timpani and piano.

“With the price cuts there were no wind instruments being used and they had to perform limited forces,” he said.

Tickets are $15 and are available at Swicegood Music or at the door. Children and students with identification are admitted free. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/thelouisianachoralfoundation.

””

The Louisiana Choral Foundation’s Masterworks Chorale, under the direction of artistic director Darryl Jones, practices for two upcoming performances of “Nelson Mass.”

Rick Hickman””

The Louisiana Choral Foundation’s Masterworks Chorale, under the direction of artistic director Darryl Jones, practices for two upcoming performances of “Nelson Mass.”

Rick Hickman””

The Louisiana Choral Foundation’s Masterworks Chorale, under the direction of artistic director Darryl Jones, practices for two upcoming performances of “Nelson Mass.”

Rick Hickman

SportsPlus

McNeese Sports

Catching on: Young Cowboy receivers making strides

Crime

Two plead guilty in Lacassine double slaying

Crime

Arrest made in fatal Pecan Acres Drive shooting

Crime

9/18: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

life

2025 Chennault International Airshow canceled

Local News

Today last day to apply for Louisiana State Police Cadet Class 106

life

Celebrity chefs, master classes to be featured during Louisiana Food & Wine Festival

life

Demolition of hurricane-damaged houses in Sulphur slow going

life

Photos found in tower rubble returned intact to family

McNeese Sports

Know your foe: Alcorn

Local News

McNeese, Sowela enrollment numbers on the rise

Jim Beam

Jim Beam column:Tax reform is back on table

life

Salvation Army starts giving season 100 days before Christmas 

Local News

Cassidy: Second assassination attempt ‘beyond concerning’

Business

PPG reaches agreement to sell silicas products business

Local News

Lottery registration for Louisiana Fortify Homes Program grants opens Wednesday

Crime

9/17: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

Trump, Harris resume campaigning after apparent assassination attempt

Crime

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been indicted on sex trafficking and racketeering charges

McNeese Sports

Understudy takes center stage

Business

Cameron school employees to get boost in pay

Crime

Fired police officers accused of using racist language

McNeese Sports

McNeese looks to keep momentum

Business

Citgo vice president: Sale of petroleum refiner nearing the finish line