The latter years of the 18th century were marked by both incessant warfare and a spirit of intellectual curiosity. Haydn’s magnificent Nelson Mass and his celebratory Te Deum were both written at the time of the Napoleonic Wars. Both works employ the military instruments of the orchestra – the trumpets and drums – with arresting results, ensuring the lasting popularity of this music. Less well-known, however, is the music of William Herschel, a German-British astronomer who discovered the planet Uranus and pioneered the use of larger telescopes, among his many achievements. He was also an accomplished organist, oboist and composer, leaving a large body of attractive music. Of the other composers featured in the program, Marianna Martines was an outstanding singer and pianist, a friend of both Haydn and Mozart. We sing her setting of Dixit Dominus.

The orchestra plays Samuel Wesley’s Sinfonia Concertante, a charming symphony which never fails to delight.

Tickets for this concert are $30 each and available through Eventbrite. Visit the cathedral’s website, www.stjamescathedral.ca, for the link to Eventbrite. Early purchase is recommended based upon recent concerts held at the cathedral.

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