The Great Mass of Death (Grande Messe des Morts) by Hector Berlioz is one of the most awe inspiring works in the repertoire, required literally hundreds of performers, and depicting the dramatic energy and suspense conveyed in the liturgy of the Judgement Day. Requiring four off-stage brass bands, Berlioz’s 90-minute work delivers surprise after surprise in a tour de force that one has to experience live to believe. Haunting suspense, hair-raising fortissimos, and lyrical beauty combine to take the listener on the journey of a lifetime. Presented in celebration of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s 90th anniversary, we are honored to share the stage for two performances of this work with musicians from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and tenor soloist Tom Cooley.