Missa solemnis with Michael Tilson Thomas

It is with great pleasure that we welcome Michael Tilson Thomas back to Stockholm and the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra. With his rich experience, enormous discography and brilliant approach to presenting music – including on television – he is without hesitation one of the most admired conductors of our time. He has been chief conductor of the San Francisco Symphony for years and is principal guest conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra. He most recently guest-performed with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra in 2009, when he conducted a truly special and highly acclaimed performance of Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring.

This time, it will be yet another giant: Beethoven, whose Missa Solemnis was last performed at Stockholm Concert Hall in 2002. Missa Solemnis was composed when Beethoven was at the height of his career. He studied his predecessors extensively in order to take a new approach to the mass, and also allow the instruments to interpret the text. The voices repeat words the orchestra has already expressed, but it is also the voices that carry the work.

The soloists include the two highly acclaimed Swedish singers Camilla Tilling and Katija Dragojevic, British tenor Toby Spence and Czech bass Adam Plachetka. The Eric Ericson Chamber Choir and Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra have enjoyed a close partnership for many years. The choir was founded in 1945 and is among the top international vocal ensembles.