Overview
- The first of three sold-out performances concluded Friday at Walt Disney Concert Hall with roughly six minutes of standing ovations.
- About 125 to 130 singers from the Orfeó Català and Cor de Cambra made their American debut after months of preparation, including run-up concerts in Catalonia.
- The solo quartet featured soprano Pretty Yende, mezzo Sarah Saturnino, tenor SeokJong Baek and baritone Rod Gilfry, who replaced the previously announced Nicholas Brownlee.
- Dudamel selected the Palau choirs and took on the rarely performed, technically demanding work as a statement in his final season with the orchestra.
- He signaled more collaborations with the choirs, citing additional Missa Solemnis outings and a future Mahler Eighth.