Telemann Tut mir auf die Tore der Gerechtigkeit
Telemann Suite in G Major Nations Ancient and Modern
Buxtehude Prelude and Chorus
Buxtehude Herr, wenn ich nur dich hab
Schutz Jauchzet dem Herren, alle Welt
Schutz Meine Seele erhebt den Herren
Bach Es ist un bleibt der Christen Trost from Cantata No. 44
Mendelssohn Reformation Symphony

John Varineau Conductor | Maria Jette Soprano

Five hundred years ago, an obscure theologian launched a scholarly dispute against the Roman Catholic Church’s efforts to raise money to rebuild St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Martin Luther, an Augustinian priest, issued his objections to the church’s practice of selling indulgences, nailing his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of a church on Oct. 31, 1517.

That crack of a hammer on the nail that affixed Luther’s academic challenge soon shook the very foundations of Christendom and launched the Reformation.

In celebration of the 500th anniversary of that event, the Grand Rapids Symphony performs music by four composers who wrote sacred music for the new Protestant churches.

The Grand Rapids Symphony also performs Felix Mendelssohn’s beloved “Reformation” Symphony No. 5, which features prominently Martin Luther’s famous hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is our God.”