When Leonard Bernstein wrote his grandiose and controversial “Mass” for the opening performances of the Kennedy Center in 1971, he subtitled the work “Theatre Piece for Singers, Players and Dancers.” The moniker was no surprise, given the composer’s vast Broadway background coupled with an unparalleled knowledge of the classical repertoire.
Now, 37 years later, combine Bernstein’s protégé, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra music director Marin Alsop (who honors the conductor-composer’s musical legacy this year), with Baltimore’s rich stable of performing arts groups, and the result is, clearly, one of the most eagerly anticipated highlights of the orchestra’s season.
“Mass”, performed this weekend by the BSO at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, will showcase the talents of nearly 250 performers, led by baritone Jubilant Sykes as the Celebrant and joined by the Morgan State University Choir, the Peabody Children’s Chorus, a 50-piece marching band from Morgan and a Broadway cast performing as street people.
“When the Symphony enlists local arts groups whose specialties compliment [them], everyone wins,” said Doreen Falby, director of the Peabody Children’s Chorus, who is preparing 42 children, ages 11 to 15, to partake in the performance.
“These auxiliary resources receive a tremendous education in making music at the very highest level,” Falby said.
Eric Conway, director of the Morgan Choir, agrees. He and Falby collaborated on the re-opening program of the Baltimore Basilica.
“We are excited to be working together again,” Conway said. “This will be a fresh new look at the Bernstein Mass through 21st century eyes.”
With 32 different songs in English, Latin and Hebrew, “Mass” was revolutionary at the time for its fusing of rock, blues, jazz and folk, alongside Bernstein’s command of thoroughly classical elements. Exploring the themes of religion (Bernstein himself was Jewish), ritual, tolerance and doubt, the critics tore the piece apart, many perceiving it as purely sacrilegious. Ironically, the public loved it and today, it remains the best-selling, classical multi-disc set ever produced.
“We are recording the ‘Mass’ next week with the Baltimore Symphony [on the Naxos label],” Conway said, hardly concealing his pride in the entire project. “We will also be performing at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center.”
IF YOU GO
Bernstein’s “Mass: A Theatre Piece for Players, Singers and Dancers”
Where: Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., Baltimore
When: Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $26 to $75
More Info: 410-783-8000 or www.bsomusic.org
