These are two dramatic works by Beethoven – his sombre Introduction to Christ on the Mount of Olives will precede the monumental Eroica Symphony No.3. The CBS Orchestra is led by Natalia M. Lomeiko and Musical Director is Don Whelan.

Each work dates from 1803, while Beethoven was confronting his impending deafness. In his only oratorio, Christ on the Mount of Olives, he vividly depicts anguish and ultimate resignation. The relatively brief Introduction functions like an overture to a sacred opera. It establishes a tragic, profound mood with evocative orchestration, including a chilling role for the timpani. To enable a young and challenging composer to be heard, the premiere became part of a marathon presentation of his first two symphonies and third piano concerto to an exhausted Viennese audience.

The music is both vigorous and noble and reshapes the scope and scale of even the greatest symphonies of Haydn and Mozart. Although profound personal grief underpins the massive funeral march which comprises the slow movement, it eventually finds the musical catharsis which was ultimately to lead in his future symphonic creations to a Hymn of Joy.

CBS Music 2020

This year CBS Music places a special focus on Beethoven for the 250th anniversary year. They intend to present later performances of his 5th Symphony, Choral Fantasy, and Hallelujah Chorus and the Christmas Midnight Mass will feature his Mass in C Major. Other regular performances will include the Bach St John Passion on Good Friday at 8 pm, and Handel’s Messiah on 13 December, and their annual Haydn concert on Sunday 27 September will include the London Symphony 104 and Harmoniemesse.

Join the cathedral musicians

The cathedral musicians maintain an extensive repertoire of masses and motets, sung each Sunday at the 10.30am Solemn Choral Mass.

New members are welcome to the 7.30 pm Wednesday evening rehearsal at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral. Sight-reading ability is expected.

Opportunities exist for choral leaders, who enjoy unique opportunities to perform solo roles in significant Mass and motet settings with the orchestra and choir.

Leadership awards and other scholarships are available to suitable applicants.

Those interested are invited to contact the CBS Musical Director, Don Whelan, phone 358-5873.