The Harmoniemesse, composed in 1802, three years after The Creation, is the last of Haydn’s great mature settings of the Mass. The ‘harmonie’ in the title is the German terminology for a wind band. Haydn’s innovation here is to create contrasts within the mass by treating the wind band as a separate unit. Whilst the wind band at times does its traditional work of supporting the strings and choir, it also operates on its own, in contrast to choir and strings.

Christopher Steel’s choral symphony, the Sinfonia Sacra, was first performed in 1987 and John Dunford has been involved in most of the handful of performances given. It is a work of contrasts, comprising four movements telling of the birth, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus. It contains passages of chromatic
harmony associated with anguished parts of the story, contrasted with traditional harmony in the joyful sections.

So this is definitely a concert of contrasting musical styles, linked by Ripon Choral Society’s enthusiasm for exciting and moving choral music of any era.

Samantha Hay - soprano
Sarah Richmond - alto
Stephen Newlove - tenor
Adam Green - baritone

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