2008-2009 Season

Sparks Fly Upward

A musical drama of fear, faith and hope! A World Premiere Performance Directed by Timothy X. Troy, Conducted by Maestro Joseph Giunta, Written and Composed by Cathy Lesser Mansfield The Des Moines Choral Society is pleased to take part in the original musical drama The Sparks Fly Upward, the story of three German families, two Jewish and one Christian, thrust headlong into the Holocaust. Written and composed by DMCS board member Cathy Lesser Mansfield, The Sparks Fly Upward uses lush music and rich lyrics to portray the personal struggle of these families as they fight to survive and hold on to each other and their faith. [top]

Christmas with the Choral Society

Celebrating twenty nine years of majestic holiday music! Antonio Vivaldi, Magnificat; J.S. Bach, Dona Nobis Pacem; Dominick Argento, Gloria; Randol Bass, Praeludium Noel . . . plus traditional and contemporary Christmas carols! [top]

Program notes (pdf)

Inspiring Masterworks...Past and Present

Featuring two Requiem settings—combining the old with the new! A Time-Honored Classic: W.A. Mozart, Requiem. An Iowa Premiere Performance: Mack Wilberg, Requiem. During this evening of musical splendor, you will experience two different Requiem settings in one grand performance. First, Mozart’s famous setting, as completed by his student Süssmayr. Next, Mack Wilberg’s new setting, which departs from the traditional Requiem text to include scripture from Psalms, will soar with a beautiful message of hope and comfort. Together, these Requiem settings provide a perfect opportunity to appreciate a classic masterwork along with a debut work of a celebrated composer and arranger. This is an evening you won’t want to miss! [top]