Into Full Flame

The season blazes to its peak in a program of spiritual and emotional fire. Vaughan Williams’ stirring Dona Nobis Pacem anchors the evening, a monumental 20th‑century cantata that weaves texts from the Mass, Walt Whitman, and political speeches into a powerful plea for peace amid the tensions of 1936 Europe. Its soaring vocal lines, urgent percussion, and cinematic orchestral writing make it one of the most moving choral‑orchestral works of the century. Mozart’s buoyant Veni Sancte Spiritus and Pēteris Vasks’ radiant Dona Nobis Pacem frame the program, creating waves of orchestral and choral sound that rise from intimate prayer to exultant brilliance, leaving the hall glowing with inspiration.