J. S. BACH St. Matthew Passion (March 22, 2014)
"Overall, slightly slower than expected tempi lent the gathered forces a measured stateliness, allowing not only for a more thorough exposition of the dramatic setting but also abetting the choir's precision. This is not only with regard to standard choral technique (cutoffs and dynamic shifts were faithful) but also with regard to the vision of the work. Whereas hymn settings remained clean and emotive, the chorus really came to life in the more narrative moments. Indeed, turba choruses often came off aptly, as riotous and disruptive, while more-extended, complex chorale work was consistently detailed and, especially in the slower tempi, articulated clearly."
"Our Lenten pilgrimage brought great rewards and no punishments: the combined talents of choir, orchestra and soloists memorably told of Bach's great Passion, bringing the drama vividly to life. It is rare to see such an enthusiastic reception of an exhausting performance: audience members sprang to their feet in ovation before the last note could vanish into silence." – The Boston Music Intelligencer BEETHOVEN Missa Solemnis (November 4, 2011) “Given its complexity, the Missa is something of a rarity in concert life. So Friday’s performance by Masterworks Chorale was both a welcome chance to revisit the piece’s challenges and a brave endeavor by this talented chorus of about 90 members, its orchestra, and a vocal quartet, all under the direction of Steven Karidoyanes. "Their approach to the piece was surprisingly intimate. The performers managed to tame the score’s unruliness and make it less monumental, more approachable, without sacrificing the excitement of its extroverted moments, which are plentiful. Karidoyanes elicited some unusual inner details during quieter moments … just getting through the Missa in one piece is an achievement in itself, and Masterworks did far more than that. The choral sound was warm and richly textured.” – Boston Globe “…the estimable Masterworks Chorale gave a rousing performance of Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis on November 4 at Sanders Theater…Clearly, this is a work dear to this chorus, and it showed.” – Boston Musical Intelligencer HONEGGER King David (May 11, 2012) “Masterworks Chorale brought back more than just memories. Its performance of King David, while at times enrapturing, thoroughly reawakened that particular sense of religious fervor of a time gone by. A special kind of applause is due Music Director Steven Karidoyanes for pulling off such an evening.” – Boston Musical Intelligencer TCHAIKOVSKY All-Night Vigil (May 13, 2011) DVOŘÁK Stabat Mater (March 11, 2011) HANDEL Alexander’s Feast (November 5, 2010) "The American Five" - Barber · Bernstein · Copland · Gershwin · Ives (May 16, 2010) VERDI Requiem (March 15, 2010) "British Legends of Nicholas" - Tavener · Moody · Britten (November 9, 2009)72nd Season
71st Season
"...those in the audience realized they were having a rare and extraordinary listening experience." – Arts Fuse
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"...Masterworks Chorale sang better than I had ever heard them..." – Arts Fuse
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"...Karidoyanes led with confidence and clarity..." – Boston Globe
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"The chorus sounded glorious throughout, their balance and diction excellent." – Arts Fuse
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"The chorus sang magnificently for him, with a full and rich sound..." – Boston Musical Intelligencer
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"Throughout the concert, Karidoyanes led his forces with precision and panache. He has shown himself an effective and elegant leader of massed voices..." – Boston Musical Intelligencer
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