The 36-strong, mixed-voice Chamber Choir of Europe, founded as the "Nordic Chamber Choir" in 1998 under the direction of Nicol Matt, developed very quickly into one of the leading chamber choirs. The Choir changed its name in 2002 to "Chamber Choir of Europe" to reflect its international character, boasting professionally-trained singers from 10-different countries. Mozart's "C Minor Mass, K. 427" is one of the most beautiful and significant pieces in the composer's life, as it was the fulfillment of a promise Mozart made to his father in a 1783 letter to write a Mass if he were permitted to marry Constanze Weber. The mass has 12 beautiful, dramatic movements (all orchestrally accompanied): the turbulent "Kyrie" and wonderful "Gloria," the operatic "Domine," "Qui tollis" and "Quoniam," the magnificent "Jesu Christe," the joyous "Credo," and the dramatic "Sanctus" are some favorites, but keep in mind that Mozart is simply brilliant and the entire Mass takes our breath away. Following that are 11 short Chorales by Johann Sebastian Bach, "Jesu meine Freude," "Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme," "Christus, der is mein Leben" and others, all accompanied. Matt's work as conductor, the singing of this exquisite Choir, and these sublime sacred pieces are all perfect!