After a three-day intensive rehearsal schedule with Artistic Director Robert Istad, Pacific Chorale’s Festival Chorus performed in a free concert at Renée & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa on Sunday, August 11, 2024.

Photos © Priscilla C. Scott

The Festival Chorus, comprised of 285 singers from Southern California and beyond, joined together for a choral favorite, Haydn's Mass in Time of War.

​​​​​​​In 1796, Haydn premiered the Paukenmesse for Princess Maria Hermenegild's name day. This premiere, commissioned by the Esterhazy family, happened amidst political instability and war in Europe. Though Haydn's text setting weaves through the horrors of war, it ultimately ends in exultant joy. You will not want to miss Haydn's exquisite Mass in Time of War with Pacific Chorale this season!

The 2024 Choral Festival​​​​​​​, conducted by Artistic Director Robert Istad, also featured solos from Pacific Chorale's members: soprano Alexandria Burdick, mezzo-soprano Stephanie Shepson, tenor Daniel Coy Babcock, and bass Jared Daniel Jones. We even convinced our President & CEO Rhett M. Del Campo to pull out his sticks for the timpani!

The concert opened with an organ prelude, Hommage à Haydn, written just for this concert by the accomplished organist, Dr. Jung-A Lee. 

Thank you to everyone who attended this free concert!  This concert would not be possible without the generous support of our Platinum Season Sponsors, Phillip N. and Mary A. Lyons. Additional funding was also provided by the City of Costa Mesa’s Arts Grant program, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, and the additional support provided by our Corporate Season Sponsor, Capital Group.

Highlights: Choral Festival 2024