Mahler’s ‘Resurrection’ Symphony to Be Performed in Orleans

ORLEANS — On Aug. 1 and 2, more than 150 musicians from across the country will unite at the Church of the Transfiguration in Orleans to present Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection.” The performances will mark the 25th anniversary of the church’s dedication. 

 The event brings together Gloriæ Dei Cantores and Creare Symphonia, conducted by Richard K. Pugsley, with soloists Martha Guth (soprano) and Kathryn Leemhuis (alto). The church’s surround-sound St. Cecilia organ — which features more than 11,000 pipes — will also be part of the performance.

Gloriæ Dei Cantores — Latin for “Singers to the Glory of God” — is a professional choir founded in 1988 with a wide-ranging international history. The ensemble has toured in 23 countries, collaborated with artists such as Keith Lockhart and John Williams, and appeared multiple times with the Boston Pops as part of its holiday tours. The ensemble specializes in sacred choral music, with a repertoire spanning Gregorian chant through contemporary works.

Creare Symphonia, the resident orchestra of the Arts Empowering Life (AEL) nonprofit foundation, has partnered with Gloriæ Dei Cantores on major works since 2013, combining AEL artists, contracted freelance professionals and other vocalists for large-scale performances.

Mahler’s “Resurrection” is a five-movement work that moves from mourning to transcendence. The composer described the first movement as “standing beside the coffin of a beloved man,” writing that the finale offers a vision of cosmic renewal: “It is no judgement…Just an overwhelming love illuminates our being.”

 Kirsti Pfeiffer, marketing director and choir member, and Jim Jordan, a fellow Arts Empowering Life artist, described the piece as both timely and emotionally resonant. 

 “The symphony is quite a journey, and we hope audiences will feel uplifted, and know that there’s still hope and joy, even in the midst of our toughest moments in life,” Pfeiffer and Jordan wrote in an email.

The performances take place at 8 p.m. on Aug. 1 and Aug. 2 at the Church of the Transfiguration, located at 5 Bay View Dr. in Orleans. The concert is expected to run approximately 90 minutes. Tickets are $45 for seniors and $50 for adults; students and those under 18 are free. Visit the Arts Empowering Life website or call 508-240-2400 for more information and tickets.