MASS: A Theatre Piece for Singers, Players, and Dancers

Libretto based on the Roman liturgy, completed by Stephen Schwartz and Leonard Bernstein
Version for large orchestra, in the original English language

MASS by Leonard Bernstein is a moving message of freedom and equality. A major musical work with over 400 performers and a spectacular church service that combines jazz, classical music, gospel and pop. The great American conductor, composer, peace and civil rights activist and rousing ambassador of music composed it in 1971. Alongside his 'West Side Story', the work is considered his most moving composition.

In it, Bernstein juxtaposes an emotional attitude to life with the fear of God and celebrates the high mass of a fragmenting religious community. The USA in the 1960s and early 1970s had to cope with dramatic upheavals such as the Vietnam War and major crises of conscience in the church. MASS: A Theatre Piece for Singers, Players, and Dancers is a powerful cry for freedom and peace.

It will be performed in its complete version for the first time ever in Hanover. Under the direction of Ingo Metzmacher, the American baritone and Grammy award-winner Lucas Meachem sings the role of the priest. He will be joined by soloists from the Hanover jazz choir Vivid Voices and nine choirs from Hanover. The NDR Radiophilharmonie will perform.