ECSTASY / GRIEF
Choral-Orchestral Cries
Saturday, October 24, 2026, 4:00 PM
The Church of the Holy Trinity
1904 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Tickets: $15 - $45
Ecstasy / Grief is the 2026–27 season-opening concert of Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia, featuring The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia. The program explores emotional extremes, moving between brutality and bliss, through three works spanning two centuries: Franz Schubert's
Mass No. 2 in G major, D. 167, a lyrical early-Romantic setting of the Latin Mass. Sir James MacMillan's
Seven Last Words from the Cross, a powerful contemporary Scottish work for chorus and strings on Christ's final words. And
Weaver of Eternities, a new collaboration between Artistic Director Dominick DiOrio and Philadelphia poet and librettist Jacqueline Goldfinger, featuring award-winning saxophonist Valentin Kovalev.
What people are saying about
Joyful Abundance
As part of ArtPhilly: What Now: 2026—a city-wide festival celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birth of our country—this concert asks vital questions about America's past, present, and future through the voices of a new generation of artists.
Joyful Abundance represents more than a concert—it's our answer to What Now? Through mentorship with established Philadelphia composers and poets these emerging voices have crafted works that illuminate shared human experiences while celebrating our city's varied creative landscape.
Joyful Abundance launches what will become a permanent bi-annual program, funded in part by the Alan Harler New Ventures Fund, supporting Philadelphia's emerging composers and poets, creating a lasting legacy that extends far beyond this season.
That was one of the best concerts I have been to in Philadelphia, EVER.
Great to have composers and poets be present and speak to the audience. ...focusing on “emerging” Philadelphian artistic collaborations was thrilling and also helped diversify the audience.
This was such a revelatory experience for me. I was so impressed at how the chorus brought so much passion and magic to life.
Remembering Alan Harler
It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Alan Harler, Mendelssohn Chorus's beloved Conductor Laureate and former Artistic Director. For over three decades, Maestro Harler transformed our organization into a leading voice in contemporary choral music, commissioning and premiering 58 new works while inspiring countless singers and audiences with his visionary artistry.
Alan's unwavering commitment to adventurous programming and his passion for nurturing emerging composers left an indelible mark on the choral world. His legacy lives on through the Alan Harler New Ventures Fund, which will continue to support the bold, innovative programming that defined his extraordinary tenure with us.
We invite you to watch the live stream of his Celebration of Life held on April 12, 2026.
Mendelssohn Chorus of PHiladelphia
Supporters
Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia is grateful to the following grantmakers for their support of our 2026-2027 Season.
