Written in 1824 and premiered in Vienna (together with Symphony No. 9) with a deaf Beethoven conducting the Philharmonic Society Orchestra, the Missa Solemnis represents (together with Bach's B Minor Mass and Mozart's Great Mass in C) the finest in the Latin Mass setting. It is a testament of Beethoven's artistry and faith, as well as the bridge from the Classical to the Romantic era and beyond. Just as in the 9th Symphony, the voices are treated as instruments and blend with the orchestra to create an awesome effect! The Missa is preceded by one of Ludwig's most famous overtures and by an all-string remarkable orchestral fugue!

Recorded live for release on the Lyrichord label.

Running Time: 2 hours, including one intermission

Philadelphia's only 1749 Covent Garden version performed on original Baroque instruments, a spectacular panorama of sound, poetry and emotion, Handel's Messiah celebrates the Story of the Season. Bright trumpets, grand voices of choristers and dazzling soloists stir, awaken, excite and uplift. From haunting shepherd melodies to the great "Hallelujah Chorus", this is Christmas at its best. Sparkling, entertaining and joyous!

Running Time: 2 Hours 45 Minutes including one intermission - Baroque instrument orchestra

In 1746, Handel composed Judas Maccabaeus, setting to music the heroic story of Judas Maccabaeus leading the Jews in the fight for religious freedom from the Syrians in 165 B.C. The Jewish feast of Hanukkah commemorates this victory. This oratorio, with libretto by Thomas Morrell, was written for the celebration following the Duke of Cumberland's victory over the Scottish Jacobite rebels at the Battle of Culloden in 1746. Handel's Judas Maccabaeus is often performed in Israel, with the tune of "conqu'ring hero" becoming a well-known Hanukkah song.

Recorded live for release on the Lyrichord label.

Running Time: 2 Hours 10 Minutes including one intermission - Baroque instrument orchestra

A true Mozart feast, this concert features three different genres and spans 20 years of his life. This solo Motet (a Bach cantata tradition) was written by the young Wolfgang and dedicated to a young soprano he was hoping to marry. Sinfonia Concertante, the Symphony and solo concerto combined in one (with two solo instruments), was written in 1784. Finally, the famous Requiem written in the final days of his short life (never to be finished - completed from his sketches by his pupil, Sussmayer). What an unforgettable night this will be!

Running Time: 2 Hours including one intermission

The season's finale and third tribute to Handel, this superb performance opens with the magnificent Te Deum, and concludes with the four Coronation Anthems, written for King George I in 1727, when Handel worked as his court musician (Zadok the Priest has been used at every British Coronation ceremony since then). Also featured is the rarely performed Psalm 112. Finally, Maestro Radu will be featured for the first time playing and conducting from the organ.

Running Time: 90 Minutes - No intermission