(Posted April 25, 2005)

HUNTINGDON, Pa. -- The Juniata College Choral Union will perform a concert of Ludwig van Beethoven's "Mass in C Major" at its spring concert at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 26 in Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Huntingdon, Pa.

The concert is free and open to the public. Most Holy Trinity is at 6th and Washington streets in Huntingdon.

The Choral Union is conducted by Russell Shelley, Elma Stine Heckler Associate Professor of Music.

Beethoven composed this mass in 1807 as a commission from Prince Nikolaus Esterhazy. At the time, Beethoven had rarely composed and arranged sacred music. The C Major mass is divided into five movements: "Gloria," "Kyrie," "Credo," "Sanctus and Benedictus," and "Agnus Dei."

Stephen Baird, college accompanist and 1997 Juniata graduate, will accompany the Choral Union in performing the vocal mass.

The Choral Union is the largest choral ensemble at Juniata with a student membership of more than 60 and more than 30 members from communities in the Huntingdon area. The Juniata Choral Union traditionally performs larger choral works.

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.