Saturday, September 19th, 2026 - 7:30pm
Charles Luney Auditorium
Join us for a magnificent concert experience as we welcome esteemed guest conductor Richard Webster to the stage. This special performance unites the grandeur of Haydn's spectacular Harmoniemesse—considered by many to be the greatest of his six masses—with a selection of Richard Webster's own compelling sacred compositions.
The concert’s centerpiece is Franz Joseph Haydn’s last major work, the Harmoniemesse or “Wind Band Mass” of 1802. The writing displays some of his most daring harmonies and dazzling surprises. The three leading musical forces of the “Classical” era — roughly 1750 to 1820 — were Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. Imagine the thrilling Viennese musical scene in 1791, when all three were living and working in that city, just prior to Mozart’s death. We are excited to be featuring musicians from the Christchurch Youth Orchestra.
The program’s first half features a variety of Richard Webster's sacred choral music, both accompanied and unaccompanied — wild and serene, with everything in between — composed over the last three decades.
Composer, organist, and conductor, Richard Webster is thrilled and honoured to be filling in for John Linker with the Christchurch City Choir at this concert. Having retired from Trinity Church, Boston in 2022, he now teaches at Yale University’s Institute of Sacred Music and directs the new Bach in the City concert series in Chicago. He is a passionate runner, and has completed 49 marathons, including 22 Boston Marathons.
The concert’s centerpiece is Franz Joseph Haydn’s last major work, the Harmoniemesse or “Wind Band Mass” of 1802. The writing displays some of his most daring harmonies and dazzling surprises. The three leading musical forces of the “Classical” era — roughly 1750 to 1820 — were Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. Imagine the thrilling Viennese musical scene in 1791, when all three were living and working in that city, just prior to Mozart’s death. We are excited to be featuring musicians from the Christchurch Youth Orchestra.
The program’s first half features a variety of Richard Webster's sacred choral music, both accompanied and unaccompanied — wild and serene, with everything in between — composed over the last three decades.
Composer, organist, and conductor, Richard Webster is thrilled and honoured to be filling in for John Linker with the Christchurch City Choir at this concert. Having retired from Trinity Church, Boston in 2022, he now teaches at Yale University’s Institute of Sacred Music and directs the new Bach in the City concert series in Chicago. He is a passionate runner, and has completed 49 marathons, including 22 Boston Marathons.
Early bird tickets on sale: July 20th (Discounted Adult and Senior tickets. Limited number available)
General Sale: from August 3rd
General Sale: from August 3rd
Programme
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Richard Webster
Joseph Haydn |
Abide with me
Attend to the music divine Have you not known He is the way Lord, it is night Nunc dimittis Thou wilt keep him Harmoniemesse in B-flat Major |
Performers
Christchurch City Choir and the Christchurch Youth Orchestra conducted by Richard Webster.
