Description

Haydn composed this mass, one of the most popular of his mass settings, in 1796 at the time of Austria’s general mobilization into war. With the title, “Mass in Time of War,” Haydn subtly moves the focus from the conflict itself to what it means to those who must endure its consequences–who understand what it means to live in a time of war. He offers them comfort, but also a clear message: We don’t want victory, we want peace!

Ensemble Photos

Masterworks Choral Ensemble. Warm ups on stage (Tech run, June 2025) [photo by Shanna Paxton Photography]