Michigan State University College of Music’s University Chorale will perform a concert of the complete Pope Marcellus Mass, by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. The Renaissance Mass performance, directed by David Rayl, director of MSU choral programs, will be at 8 p.m. on Feb. 23, at St. Mary Cathedral in Lansing.
Along with the Pope Marcellus Mass, the audience will hear several Gregorian chants that are “proper” as the season of Lent approaches, as well as Palestrina’s motets, “Sicut cervus” and “Alma Redemptoris Mater.” All music will be sung in Latin. Palestrina is considered one of the greatest composers of the High Renaissance period.
“The Mass will be sung in the order in which it would have been performed in the Sistine Chapel in the 1550s,” said Rayl. “It is an iconic work in the choral repertoire, so it’s a great thrill to be able to present it to our audience.”
This event is free and open to the public. For more information about the concert, call the College of Music at (517) 353-5340 or visit their website.