Beethoven worked on the Missa solemnis between 1819 and 1823. One of his later works, it is also one of the most important ones of his life. It was performed in full for the first time in Saint Petersburg in April of 1824. The composer dedicated the work to his chief patron and friend Archduke Rudolf, cardinal and archbishop of Olomouc. At the beginning of the manuscript score, Beethoven wrote, "It came from the heart - may it find its way to the heart!" The Ghent-born Philippe Herreweghe is one of the most profoundly thoughtful musicians of our day: he became a conductor after starting out on a career in psychiatry. His choir, the Collegium Vocale Gent, has functioned since 1969 and consists of singers of soloist calibre. The speciality of the Orchestre des Champs-Élysées, which was founded in 1991, is the repertoire spanning from 1750 to the early 20th century. Herreweghe has served as its music director since 2010. In the case of such a work, which like the Ninth Symphony attempts to embrace all of humanity, it is a gesture of profound meaning and symbolism to perform it with musicians from many countries. This is indeed what is being done here, where the Belgian conductor will be heading a team consisting of an Australian soprano, a French mezzo, a Turkish tenor and a German bass-baritone as the four soloists.

Presented by: Müpa Budapest