Beethoven: Missa solemnis 2.0

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of Ludwig van Beethoven's birth, The Philadelphia Orchestra will present the composer’s rarely performed Missa solemnis. Widely recognized among scholars and music critics as Beethoven’s most accomplished and complex symphonic work, the piece will be performed by the Orchestra, a chorus, and four soloists. Visual projections and lighting designed by Refik Anadol—an award-winning media artist known for his site-specific public art—will envelop audiences within a virtual, multi-denominational cathedral inside Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Furthering the Orchestra's work with music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin to augment the distinctive characteristics composers instilled in their music, the immersive concert experience will incorporate universal religious symbols intended to deepen listeners’ connection to Beethoven’s composition and its elements of religious faith.

Additional unrestricted funds are added to each grant for general operating support.