Beethoven Mass in C, and works by Brahms
7:30 pm, Saturday 6 Mar 2027
Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury Musical Society
Chelsea Opera Group Orchestra
David Halls – conductor
About the Concert Programme
When most people think of Beethoven, it is his towering masterpieces that immediately come to mind: the gripping drama of the Fifth Symphony; the haunting beauty of the Moonlight Sonata, the exhilarating choral triumph of the Ninth Symphony; the instantly recognisable charm of Für Elise or the celebrated Pastoral and Eroica symphonies, each a landmark in musical history.
Yet among these works lies a remarkable choral work, Beethoven’s Mass in C, one of classical music’s best kept secrets; a hidden gem. Cast aside any thoughts that this might be a rather formal or austere piece of sacred music, Beethoven’s Mass in C is exhilarating music; music of extraordinary humanity with many musical surprises.
Moments of quiet contemplation sit alongside thrilling bursts of joy. Passages of profound sincerity and lyrical beauty give way to music filled with longing, uncertainty and hope.
In Mass in C, Beethoven broke with convention, pushing beyond the traditional boundaries of the classical mass through bold, innovative vocal writing and a strikingly expressive musical language. Above all, the work embodies his deeply held belief in the dignity, unity and shared humanity of mankind, making it as emotionally resonant today as it was over two centuries ago.
Beethoven’s Mass in C places the choir firmly at the heart of the music, rather than relegating the chorus to a purely ceremonial role, Beethoven gives it music of remarkable expressive range and dramatic significance. The singers become the voice of humanity itself. This choral masterpiece demonstrates Beethoven’s genius for transforming sacred choral music into something deeply personal, profoundly human and irresistibly compelling.
Salisbury Musical Society will also perform music by Brahms.
Song of Destiny is one of Brahms’s most moving and rewarding choral works, captivating performers and audiences alike. The piece begins with an exquisitely beautiful orchestral introduction creating the feeling of undisturbed calm and peace, only for the full choir to erupt with dramatic force, shattering the serenity as it depicts the turbulence and fragility of human existence. Inspired by Hölderlin’s powerful image of humanity being ‘tossed from rock to rock like water’, Brahms creates music of extraordinary emotional intensity.
Alto Rhapsody is a beautiful and moving piece of music about sadness, loneliness and the discovery of finding hope. Scored for an alto, men’s chorus and orchestra, the rich voice of the soloist expresses deep emotions, while the men’s chorus brings a sense of comfort and warmth, like a reassuring voice offering support. It is a powerful reminder that even in difficult times, music can bring us peace and hope.
Salisbury Musical Society is delighted to perform these magnificent works and to share their beauty, emotional depth and expressive power with you.
Tickets for this concert go on public sale on 13 November 2026
Before buying tickets, please read this.
If you are using a mobile phone, you will find it much easier in landscape format. You can expand the seating chart or drag it around to see any seats you want. After you have selected your seats and paid, please wait to be returned to the confirmation page on our website. Here you will see a heading Tickets and below that a download link. You may print the tickets or display them on your mobile device. You will also receive emails to acknowledge and confirm your booking, and these also have download links.
Recent regulatory changes make it mandatory for buyers to enter a billing address. If this doesn’t match the address on your card or PayPal account, your transaction may fail.
Price guide
Nave front £40, nave rear £25, sides of stage £20, side aisles (unreserved, restricted view) £10. Wheelchair users and their carers £10. Users of motorised disability scooters should contact the ticketing manager (07901 717819) for guidance on ticket purchase.
Concessions for students with ID, and children
Accompanied under 18s and students with ID can claim a 50% discount for rear nave seats. This is limited to one discounted seat for each full price seat. Please use the discount code JuniorB&B-mar2027 at the shopping basket.
Dress Code
Relax, the cathedral might look like a formal setting, but there is no need for the audience to reflect that. Casual dress is fine.
For help with buying tickets online, please email our Box Office manager or telephone 07901 717819.
About the Concert Programme
When most people think of Beethoven, it is his towering masterpieces that immediately come to mind: the gripping drama of the Fifth Symphony; the haunting beauty of the Moonlight Sonata, the exhilarating choral triumph of the Ninth Symphony; the instantly recognisable charm of Für Elise or the celebrated Pastoral and Eroica symphonies, each a landmark in musical history.
Yet among these works lies a remarkable choral work, Beethoven’s Mass in C, one of classical music’s best kept secrets; a hidden gem. Cast aside any thoughts that this might be a rather formal or austere piece of sacred music, Beethoven’s Mass in C is exhilarating music; music of extraordinary humanity with many musical surprises.
Moments of quiet contemplation sit alongside thrilling bursts of joy. Passages of profound sincerity and lyrical beauty give way to music filled with longing, uncertainty and hope.
In Mass in C, Beethoven broke with convention, pushing beyond the traditional boundaries of the classical mass through bold, innovative vocal writing and a strikingly expressive musical language. Above all, the work embodies his deeply held belief in the dignity, unity and shared humanity of mankind, making it as emotionally resonant today as it was over two centuries ago.
Beethoven’s Mass in C places the choir firmly at the heart of the music, rather than relegating the chorus to a purely ceremonial role, Beethoven gives it music of remarkable expressive range and dramatic significance. The singers become the voice of humanity itself. This choral masterpiece demonstrates Beethoven’s genius for transforming sacred choral music into something deeply personal, profoundly human and irresistibly compelling.
Salisbury Musical Society will also perform music by Brahms.
Song of Destiny is one of Brahms’s most moving and rewarding choral works, captivating performers and audiences alike. The piece begins with an exquisitely beautiful orchestral introduction creating the feeling of undisturbed calm and peace, only for the full choir to erupt with dramatic force, shattering the serenity as it depicts the turbulence and fragility of human existence. Inspired by Hölderlin’s powerful image of humanity being ‘tossed from rock to rock like water’, Brahms creates music of extraordinary emotional intensity.
Alto Rhapsody is a beautiful and moving piece of music about sadness, loneliness and the discovery of finding hope. Scored for an alto, men’s chorus and orchestra, the rich voice of the soloist expresses deep emotions, while the men’s chorus brings a sense of comfort and warmth, like a reassuring voice offering support. It is a powerful reminder that even in difficult times, music can bring us peace and hope.
Salisbury Musical Society is delighted to perform these magnificent works and to share their beauty, emotional depth and expressive power with you.
Tickets for this concert go on public sale on 13 November 2026
Before buying tickets, please read this.
If you are using a mobile phone, you will find it much easier in landscape format. You can expand the seating chart or drag it around to see any seats you want. After you have selected your seats and paid, please wait to be returned to the confirmation page on our website. Here you will see a heading Tickets and below that a download link. You may print the tickets or display them on your mobile device. You will also receive emails to acknowledge and confirm your booking, and these also have download links.
Recent regulatory changes make it mandatory for buyers to enter a billing address. If this doesn’t match the address on your card or PayPal account, your transaction may fail.
Price guide
Nave front £40, nave rear £25, sides of stage £20, side aisles (unreserved, restricted view) £10. Wheelchair users and their carers £10. Users of motorised disability scooters should contact the ticketing manager (07901 717819) for guidance on ticket purchase.
Concessions for students with ID, and children
Accompanied under 18s and students with ID can claim a 50% discount for rear nave seats. This is limited to one discounted seat for each full price seat. Please use the discount code JuniorB&B-mar2027 at the shopping basket.
Dress Code
Relax, the cathedral might look like a formal setting, but there is no need for the audience to reflect that. Casual dress is fine.
For help with buying tickets online, please email our Box Office manager or telephone 07901 717819.
Try before you buy
Hear the music we’ll be performing
If you haven’t heard Beethoven’s Mass in C before, you might like to dip into this recording by Chor Collegium Musicum Bruneck before you buy a ticket
Historic Salisbury Cathedral
This concert, like most of ours, takes place in the beautiful surroundings of Salisbury Cathedral, regarded as one of the leading examples of Early English Gothic architecture. If you don’t live in Salisbury, don’t worry — it’s easy to get to on public transport or by road.
Seating plan
After you have selected your seats and paid, please wait to be returned to the confirmation page on our website. Here you will see a heading "Tickets", and below that a download link. You may print the tickets or display them on your mobile device. You will also receive emails to acknowledge and confirm your booking, and these also have download links. If you are using a mobile phone, you will find it much easier in landscape format. You can expand the seating chart or drag it around to see any seats you want. Recent regulatory changes make it mandatory for buyers to enter a billing address. If this doesn’t match the address on your card or PayPal account, your transaction may fail.
Main entrance and exit via North porch
Wheelchairs and carers
Exit via Consistory Court
Exit via South transept and cloisters
