Beethoven’s majestic Mass to sing God’s praises
View(s):A solemn Choral Holy Mass will be celebrated at St. Lucia’s Cathedral today, Sunday, February 14 at 6 p.m., presided over by Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith.
Over 100 professional singers supported by 30 musicians will be in attendance at this musical cum liturgical event, known as Musica Sacra (Sacred Music). They will render ‘Beethoven’s majestic Mass in C Major’, conducted by conductor Gregory Rose from the UK.
Another 200 singers consisting of parish choristers and those from leading Catholic schools of the Archdiocese, will also participate in this historic Mass in Latin, with Gregorian chants and chorus from great composers. The prayers and responses will all be in Latin.
To accommodate the large crowd expected, the Mass will be presented on large screens in the quadrangle outside with extra seating provided.
Among Ludwig Von Beethoven’s classical compositions were two Masses and an oratorio. It is thought fitting to bring back the treasured heritage of Latin Sacred Music in a solemn atmosphere of praise and thanksgiving to enable Christians and non-Christians alike to experience the exquisite beauty of divine worship at its highest level of Eucharistic service here in Sri Lanka.
A dedicated team including priests of the Archdiocesan Commission for Sacred Liturgy and Culture are involved in the arrangements supported by the Rectors of St. Joseph’s College and St. Peter’s College where the practices have been held.
Musica Sacra is expected to resound gloriously with Sri Lanka’s foremost singers and musicians giving of their utmost.
The Mass is open to all.