Michael Tilson Thomas and Luca Pisaroni reunite on May 20 to perform Beethoven’s masterful Missa Solemnis at the Barbican Centre in London. This is the second time Luca has performed the work under Maestro Thomas’ baton, the first being in 2015 with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. A mass regarded by the Maestro as Beethoven’s “most challenging piece” will feature Camilla Tilling, Sasha Cooke, and Toby Spence as soloists, with the London Symphony Orchestra and London Symphony Chorus. 

“Likewise, the opening of the Agnus Dei gave the listener a small dramatic window to the music, when the tortured bass-baritone (sung with a smooth, authoritative weight by Luca Pisaroni) fell penitent to his knees, surrounded by the sympathetic soloists. Both movements were revelatory to the performance, illustrating the relatable possibilities of narrative.” (Bachtrack)

“…Missa Solemnis offered Beethoven the opportunity to explore and reflect on the nature of time itself, on the contrast between the fleeting time of human life and the vastness of divine time.” (Michael Tilson Thomas)