Toward the Unknown Region

Proof of vaccination is required for entry to all concerts.

In the spring, MCP will present Toward the Unknown Region, a concert about boldly emerging from these uncertain times with daring optimism and a sense of renewal. This concert will feature two dynamic works for chorus: Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Toward the Unknown Region and Jonathan Dove’s blistering song cycle The Passing of the Year, which contains an extended, challenging, beautiful solo piano part. 

Using a variety of highly charged and hypnotic rhythms and piano and choral textures, The Passing of the Year traces a journey through the seasons, from the anticipation of summer and its eventual steamy arrival, to autumn’s sense of mortality, ending in winter with the promise of rebirth and hope to come.  Toward the Unknown Region, one of the composer’s earliest works captures the sense of youthful adventure when one sets out on a new journey.  It begins with murky, uncertain harmonies and climaxes with a new, exultant theme on the text “Then we burst forth, we float, in time and space O soul, prepared for them, equal, equipt at last…” Both works are meant to inspire hope and courage amidst our uncertain times.  The concert will also feature music by Jocelyn Hagen, Ellen Gilson Voth, and others. Toward the Unknown Region will continue the celebration of our return to live performance by showcasing what MCP does best: virtuosic music performed by an extraordinarily skilled and passionate chorus.

Toward the Unknown Region will be presented at the following venues:

Saturday, April 2, 2022 | 7:30 pm – Order tickets for this performance HERE
Hillman Center for Performing Arts – Shady Side Academy
Click HERE for more information on parking and accessibility

Sunday, April 3, 2022 | 2:30 pm – Order tickets for this performance HERE
Westminster Presbyterian Church, Upper St. Clair
Click HERE for more information on parking and accessibility

Click here for the text and lyrics for Toward the Unknown Region.

Proof of vaccination is required for entry to all concerts. Children and guests who need reasonable accommodations due to a medical exception or a sincerely held religious belief must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test within the last 72 hours. 

Effective March 23, 2022, the Mendelssohn Choir will be a mask friendly organization. Masks will be optional for all patrons whenever Allegheny County is in the CDC’s “low” community transmission levels, or as required by individual venues, but patrons and singers are encouraged to wear masks for their own comfort and ease. Audience members still must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to attend MCP performances. All MCP front of house staff and volunteers will continue to wear masks.

Click here to read the Mendelssohn Choir’s complete COVID-19 Audience Policy.

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