Premieres and a completion: A musical Sunday in Philly

The Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia’s new artistic director, Paul Rardin, makes his debut on Sunday, October 18 at 4pm at Rittenhouse Square’s Church of the Holy Trinity (he succeeds Alan Harler, who enjoyed 27 years on the podium). Headlining the program, titled “Beginnings…”, is Mozart’s Mass in C Minor, a wedding present for his wife, Constanze, which actually went unfinished. Composer and BSR contributor Kile Smith has been commissioned to create an Agnus Dei that completes the Mozart, and this will be the world premiere of this addition. Three Felix Mendelssohn settings of Psalms 98, 110, and 43 will complete the program. The Mendelssohn Club is joined by Symphony in C music director Stilian Kirov, along with soprano soloists Ah Young Hong and Barbara Berry. Come early to hear “MendelSounds,” a 20-minute lecture and demonstration by Rardin, starting at 3pm. Tickets are $15-28, available online, by calling 215-735-9922, or at the door. For more information, email [email protected].

The Crossing continues its 10th anniversary concert season with “Reprise 1” on Sunday, October 18 at 4pm at the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, 8855 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia. The concert will include a new composition by Stratis Minakakis, which addresses Greece’s immigration crisis. The choir will also revisit several compositions by its many collaborators. Join conductor Donald Nally for a pre-concert talk at 3pm in Burleigh Cruikshank Memorial Chapel. In addition, there will be an open rehearsal on Wednesday, October 14 from 7-8:30pm at Stotesbury Mansion, 1923 Walnut Street, Philadelphia. Concert tickets are $30 and can be purchased online or at the door.