York Musical Society perform Mozart’s Mass in C and Andrew Carter’s Benedicite in the nave of York Minster.
Mozart composed his Great Mass in C Minor to mark his marriage to Constanze Weber in 1782.
The first performance was in Salzburg in 1783 with her as the soprano soloist.
It is a popular and familiar part of YMS’s repertoire, but they will perform Carter’s Benedicite for the first time.
Based on texts from the Book of Common Prayer, Benedicite is inspired by the themes illustrated in the sixty or so roof bosses of the South Transept that were carved in the restoration following the disastrous Minster fire of 1984.
Scored for orchestra, choir and additional children’s chorus, the piece expresses a distinct child-like wonder at the blessings of life and the natural world.
Born in the East Midlands, Andrew Carter studied at Leeds University before moving to York as a Minster songman in 1962, and founding and leading the internationally-renowned Chapter House Choir in the seventeen years from 1966.
The Choir celebrates its golden jubilee this year.
Still based in York, Andrew is looking forward to attending this performance of Benedicite in York Minster, a venue he describes as one of his favourite places.
For further information, please contact John Pearson 01904 628711 or pearsonjohn217@gmail.com