For their spring concert, The Toronto Classical Singers present a program of masterworks by Dvořák and Mozart. The concert takes place on April 19, and features soloists soprano Grace Quinsey, alto Catharin Carew, tenor Alexander Cappellazzo, and baritone Christopher Dunham. John Holland conducts the choir and orchestra.
On the program are Dvořák’s Mass in D and Psalm 149, as well as Mozart’s Vesperae Solennes de Confessore.
In one of his lectures while teaching at the Prague Conservatory, Dvořák is quoted as saying “Mozart is sweet sunshine!” It makes the pairing of the two pieces musical perfection.
The Music
Antonín Dvořák: Mass in D major
Antonín Dvořák composed his Mass in D major in 1887. It was originally written for choir, soloists, and organ for the occasion of the consecration of a private chapel at the summer residence of architect Josef Hlávka in Lužany.
Faith was an important part of Dvořák’s life, and the Mass is an intimate work. On completing the manuscript, he wrote,
“It could be called: faith, hope and love for God Almighty, and an expression of thanks for this great gift, for having been given the opportunity successfully to complete a work in praise of the Highest, and in honour of our art.”
It opens with a Kyrie characterized by a dance-like melody, followed by Gloria (Allegro vivacious), Credo (Allegro ma non trope), Sanctus (Allegro maestro), Benedictus (Lento), and Agnus Dei (Andante). The piece unfolds with a personal and sincere sense of faith, often using folkloric melodies with rich harmonies.
The work is most often performed in its original version with the organ, but Toronto audiences will get a chance to hear it in the 1892 orchestrated version, which was eventually published in 1893.
W.A. Mozart: Vesperae solennes de Confessore, K. 339
Mozart’s Vesperae solennes de Confessore, K. 339 is a joyous work, composed in 1780 in Salzburg. It’s one of the last sacred works that Mozart would write while in the service of the Archbishop of Salzburg, composed to be part of evening church liturgy. In the title the “Confessore” refers to a saint who was not martyred.
The piece consists of a traditional sequence of psalms and canticles: Dixit Dominus, Confitebor, Beatus vir, Laudate pueri, Laudate Dominum, and Magnificat — each imbued with the composer’s musical brilliance, and its own distinct character. The Laudate Dominum, in particular, where the solo soprano sings over the gentle movement of the choir’s accompaniment, has been celebrated for its beauty.
Mozart’s piece incorporates his in depth understanding of the work of earlier composers like Johann Sebastian Bach, Heinrich Biber, and George Frideric Handel, along with that of his mentor Josef Mysliveček. He blends the elegance of the Classical period with sacred music traditions.
Antonín Dvořák: Mass in D major: Psalm 149
This will be the first Canadian performance of Psalm 149 with full orchestra.
Dvořák composed Psalm 149 in 1879. It came after early successes, during a period where his international fame was rising. With its dramatic and joyful tone, it differs in character from his Mass in D, an introspective work.
The upbeat mood goes along with the text, “Sing unto the Lord a new song”, and music that is characterized by its strong rhythms and orchestral colours. Lyrical passages contrast with the drama of choral declamation.
With its references to Czech musical language, dance-like rhythms, and harmonic shifts, Dvořák’s mature style is evident throughout the piece.
Performers
Czech-Canadian Bass-Baritone John Holland’s performing career includes opera, oratorio, and art song. He is also a JUNO-winning recording artist for his 2020 release of Handel’s Dixit Dominus. As an operatic vocalist, he’s performed in Salzburg, Prague, at Bachfest in Leipzig, and in Venice. He frequently sings as a soloist with The Mississauga Symphony and Opera York. John has been a clinician and vocal coach with No Strings Summer Opera Intensive since 2022. He is currently the Artistic Director of both the Toronto Classical Singers and Chorus York, and has been the longtime music director at Blessed Trinity Parish.
Baritone Christopher Dunham is a native of Niagara Falls. He’s a graduate of L’Atelier Lyrique de L’Opéra de Montréal as well as Atlanta Opera’s Emerging Artist Residency, and was the winner of the Desmarais Development Competition for three consecutive years, as well as Jeunesses Musicales Canada’s prestigious Young Mentorship position. Christopher is a founding board member of the Toronto Alternative Chamber Orchestra as the head of development and outreach.
Mezzo-soprano Catharin Crew’s repertoire includes music from the medieval era to the work of contemporary composers. She has performed at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and with companies across Canada, including Tapestry Opera and Powerhouse Opera, and as a soloist in the Bach Vespers Series with the Church of the Redeemer. Outside her performing career, Catharin is a sound installation artist represented by Meurehg Studios.
Canadian soprano Grace Quinsey is a native of Windsor, Ontario. Recent performances include roles with Abridged Opera ad the Windsor Symphony Orchestra, and Opera York. She has also performed in the Year of Czech Music Opera Festival, with No Strings Theatre, and the Toronto Concert Orchestra. Her early training includes extensive Cecchetti ballet training. Alongside her performing career, she works as a software developer.
Tenor Alexander Cappellazzo’s repertoire spans early music to Handel, Bach, and Mozart to Wagner, Ginastera, and Smetana. He regularly performs with companies across Ontario, including Opera Atelier, VOICEBOX: Opera in Concert, Toronto City Opera, Opera York, and Southern Ontario Lyric Opera, and with choral and orchestral ensembles such as the Toronto Choral Society, Grand River Chorus, Mississauga Symphony Orchestra, Metropolitan United Church Festival Choir, and the Brott Music Festival. He is the founder of the Apocryphonia Concert Series, and co-founder of Diapente Renaissance Vocal Quinet.
- Find ticket and concert details [HERE].
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