Subtitled "A Theater Piece for Singers, Players, and Dancer," Bernstein's Mass mixes classical music with Broadway, blues, rock, even a marching band! It was commissioned for the opening of the John F. Kennedy Center in 1971 and shows the composer grappling with what he called "the crisis of faith" in our time. In the BSO's celebration of Bernstein's 90th birthday anniversary, this defining work is the centerpiece of the entire season. An event not to be missed.

BSO & ICJS PUBLIC FORUM
An Evening of Musical and Spiritual Discovery

With Marin Alsop, Reverend Christopher Leighton and Rabbi Mark Loeb

Leonard Bernstein's Mass combines blues, rock & roll, dance and theater to explore the spiritual struggles that define the soul of America. In partnership with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the Institute for Christian and Jewish Studies will conduct a public forum in which we consider the historical and cultural context out of which this masterpiece emerged and then ponder its enduring significance for today. Participants will study and interact with the libretto from Bernstein’s Mass and be treated to incisive commentaries, including reflections from Leonard Bernstein’s protégée and BSO Maestra, Marin Alsop.

Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Time: 7:30 – 9:30 pm
Place: Central Presbyterian Church 7308 York Road, Baltimore, MD 21204
Cost: $25

Participants may sign up for the forum by contacting the ICJS office at 410.494.7161 or online at www.icjs.org no later than September 15. Forum participants will receive texts from the libretto and access to a range of internet resources.