Friday April 4th the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir conducted by Jean-Sébastien Vallée presented Beethoven’s glorious Missa Solemnis to a partially – full Roy Thomson Hall.

The Missa Solemnis is a perfect showcase for JS and his impeccable baton work leading this big ensemble, the huge Choir cutting off cleanly, entering boldly when asked. As the title suggests, it is a solemn work, among the finest works ever created by Beethoven.

Our orchestral experience came courtesy of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, sounding entirely at home in the warm confines of Roy Thomson Hall.

Missa Solemnis includes a gorgeous series of violin solos during the Sanctus resembling a violin concerto. Bénédicte Lauzière made a stunning account of this intriguing section, where Beethoven’s spirituality takes a somewhat secular form. For me this was the highlight of the evening.

Speaking of solos we were fortunate to have an excellent quartet of Canadians. Mezzo-soprano Simona Genga was impeccable in her phrasing and dynamics, a big voice at her command when she wanted, subdued and perfectly blended with the ensemble much of the time. Tracy Cantin reminded us of the dramatic sound she brought to the Canadian Opera Company as Lady Macbeth.

It was great to hear tenor Frédéric Antoun (a stylish interpretation) and baritone Brett Polegato (his voice sounding bigger and darker than ever).

This is the first time for me to see the Missa Solemnis in person. It’s a subtler work than the 9th symphony, not as popular and a colossal undertaking. Tonight’s audience received the performance rapturously.

Before the concert I had a chance to chat with my friend Bruce McGillivray, who plays a double bass with the K-W Symphony. I interviewed him back in 2022. We met through our parents, who shared the same room at Bridgepoint rehab hospital in 2021.

It was great to have a chance to reconnect before this wonderful concert.