The Gulf Coast Symphony presents Jospeh Haydn’s awe-inspiring Lord Nelson Mass,
performed in collaboration with the renowned Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers, at 7:00
p.m. on Friday, February 23, at BIG ARTS on Sanibel Island. Also on the program is Winter
Moons, a work by the Chickasaw classical composer, Jerod Tate.
ABOUT JEROD TATE
Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate is a classical composer, citizen of the Chickasaw Nation in
Oklahoma, and is dedicated to the development of American Indian classical composition.
During the 2023/24 season, new commissions will be performed at Carnegie Hall by American
Composers Orchestra’ (Clans from Lowak Shoppala’), Lincoln Center by the New York
Philharmonic (Pisachi) and Turtle Island String Quartet (Little Loksi), and CityMusic Cleveland
(Kokumthena: Cloud Woman). Seattle Symphony performs Spirit Chief Names the Animal
People and The Symphonia chamber orchestra performs Chokfi’ among others. Tate’s
commissioned works have been performed by the National Symphony Orchestra, San Francisco
Symphony and Chorus, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Minnesota
Orchestra, Colorado Ballet, Dale Warland Singers, Santa Fe Desert Chorale and Santa Fe
Chamber Music Festival. His music was also featured on the HBO series Westworld.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Haydn: Lord Nelson Mass The grandeur and magnificence of Joseph Haydn’s
masterwork, the Lord Nelson Mass is a stirring choral piece, considered one of his greatest
works. The Lord Nelson Mass is a testament to Haydn’s brilliance as a composer and showcases
a powerful blend of orchestra and voices.
Winter Moons is a ballet based upon American Indian legends from the Northern Plains
and Rocky Mountains. It is in four movements and is performed with a live storyteller to guide
the audience though each legend. The title is derived from the idea that American Indian stories
are best told during the full moons of the wintertime.
ABOUT THE MASTERSINGERS COLLABORATION
The Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers is the premier choral ensemble in Southwest
Florida. Since forming in 2001, the Mastersingers have grown from a small chorus to a 100-plus
voice ensemble of men and women dedicated to excellence in music. We are a diverse group of
vocal musicians who represent all walks of life with a shared love of singing and a commitment
to our mission.
BIG ARTS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in its fifth decade of providing an array of
quality entertainment, arts and education programs that enrich and nurture the lives of Sanibel
and Captiva residents and visitors through professionally led arts and enrichment classes for all
ages, a renowned lecture series, great films, and dynamic visual and performing arts
presentations of the highest caliber.
For more information, visit www.bigarts.org or call 239-395-0900.