Tower Theatre Foundation Presents:
Central Oregon Mastersingers performing Gloria!

A concert of holiday music for choir and chamber orchestra featuring one of choral music’s most beloved works – Antonio Vivaldi’s Gloria.

Dates/Times – Saturday, December 9 at 7:30 PM – and – Sunday, December 10 at 2:00 PM
Location – Tower Theatre; 835 NW Wall St, Bend, OR 97701
Cost – $17 / $22 / $32 purchase tickets online at: www.towertheatre.org

Composed in Venice around 1715, Gloria is Vivaldi’s most famous choral work, almost as well-known as his Four Seasons violin concerti. Each of the 12 relatively brief movements presents music ranging from festive brilliance to profound sadness, showcasing Vivaldi’s command of choral composition (equally comparable to his mastery of opera and instrumental works). The distinctive melodies and rhythms give the piece an immediate and universal appeal; even J.S. Bach was a great admirer!

The program will also feature one of Bach’s most beloved pieces from Cantata 147; Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring. The flowing strings and hymn-like verses from the choir meld together beautifully in this chorale, which was composed shortly after the Vivaldi Gloria made its debut.

Central Oregon Mastersingers will also perform a set of 3 pieces based on the ancient sacred text, O Magnum Mysterium. We begin with possibly the greatest Christmas motet ever composed; Tomás Luis de Victoria’s sublime 1572 setting. We’ll follow with a 20th century setting by French master Francis Poulenc, and end with a contemporary setting by modern composer Daniel Elder.

Of course, what holiday program would be complete without an audience sing-along! (Deck the Hall, The First Noel, Joy to the World, etc.)