We close our season with Beethoven’s monumental “Missa Solemnis,” a work the composer himself regarded as his greatest. This composition is deeply personal yet other-worldly, encapsulated by Beethoven’s dedication, “From the heart, may it go to the heart,” and his poignant note before the Agnus Dei, “A prayer for inner and outer peace.” These sentiments reflect a modern resonance, suggesting the cultivation of inner peace as a foundation for harmony in the world. The “Missa Solemnis” is an ambitious and profound work, featuring demanding choral writing, a sublime violin solo in the Benedictus, and numerous powerful moments that leave a lasting impact.