Cincinnati Symphony to Welcome Back Juanjo Mena for Beethoven's Missa Solemnis

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra will welcome back popular guest conductor Juanjo Mena for its performances of Beethoven's Missa Solemnis on Thursday (7:30pm) and Saturday (8pm), Oct. 27 & 29 at the historic Taft Theatre. Written for Beethoven's dear friend, the Missa Solemnis is one of the composer's most personal works, on which he inscribed: "From the heart-may it go to the heart."

These performances will feature Cincinnati's own May Festival Chorus, as well as a cast of world-renowned soloists: Soprano Joélle Harvey (a CCM alumna), mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnson Cano (replacing previously scheduled mezzo-soprano Daniela Mack, who had to withdraw from these performances due to an unforeseen conflict), tenor Barry Banks, and bass-baritone David Pittsinger.

Juanjo Mena has been a regular guest conductor of the CSO since his debut in 2012. "I remember very well the first time I worked with the CSO - it was special, as the orchestra made me feel very comfortable," said Mr. Mena. "The May Festival Chorus amazed me from the first minute...not just because of their incredible vocal performance but because of their musicality, and their capacity to quickly react to whatever I asked of them..." For the full Q&A with Mr. Mena, visit cincinnatisymphony.org/mena.

Tickets for these concerts start at just $12 and are available by calling the CSO Box Office at (513) 381-3300 or visiting www.cincinnatisymphony.org. On Thursday, a light buffet dinner is available to add as well.