The New Choral Singers in the ‘Haydn Concert Series'

The chamber section of ‘The New Choral Singers' will be performing Haydn's ‘Missa Brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo' (Mass of St. John of God) - Mass No. 7 in Bb Major, on Sunday June 14, at 11.00am at the church of St. Catherine of Italy, in Valletta.

The performance forms part of the ‘Haydn Concert Series' being organised by St. James Cavalier to mark the bicentenary of the death of celebrated Austrian composer Franz Josef Haydn (1732 - 1809).

The ‘Missa Brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo' (also known as ‘Kleine Orgelmesse') is the seventh of fourteen masses written by Haydn. It consists of 6 movements namely the Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Benedictus and the Agnus Dei, whereby the Gloria and Credo are radically shortened by having different voice groups sing different texts simultaneously through a technique known as telescoping. The Benedictus is the longest movement of the mass and incorporates an organ solo - thus the name ‘Kleine Orgelmesse' (Little Organ Mass).

During this event, the choir will be joined by the accomplished local Soprano, Rosabelle Bianchi who will be performing the solo section of the Benedictus. Furthermore, the Choir will be accompanied by St James Consort, led by Sarah Spiteri. Although the Choir's performance of the Haydn Mass will be the focus of the evening, the Consort will also be performing a number of items by the celebrated composer.

Further information can be obtained through the Choir's website www.thenewchoralsingers.com