Haydn’s Nelson Mass was composed in 1798 against a backdrop of fear as Napoleon’s army fought its way to Austria. Haydn didn’t know it, but while he was writing this choral masterpiece (originally called Missa in Angustiis or ‘Mass for Troubled Times’), the British Royal Navy under Admiral Horatio Nelson was delivering a stunning victory over the French forces at the Battle of the Nile. News of the victory supposedly reached Haydn on the day of the work’s premiere, and so began its association with the naval hero, cemented when Nelson visited the Esterhazy court and met Haydn in 1800.

Nelson Mass

Chelmsford Cathedral

Join Canterbury Choral Society and the London Mozart Players for an evening of celebratory masterpieces in the beauty of Canterbury Cathedral Nave.

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Canterbury Choral Society: Festivities, Fanfare and Fireworks

Nicholas Madden

Events

Upcoming events

Oct 17, 2026

Canterbury Choral Society: Festivities, Fanfare and Fireworks · Canterbury Festival

Past events

Nov 2, 2023

Nelson Mass · London Mozart Players

Future and recently performed repertoire

Singer in Coronation Anthems by Handel

Canterbury Festival

Singer in Music for the Royal Fireworks by Handel

Canterbury Festival

Singer in Harmoniemesse by Haydn

Canterbury Festival

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