Songs in the Key of Death

Rockhurst University’s Musica Sacra Chorus & Orchestra lays its season to rest tonight with Handel’s breathtaking “Funeral Anthem on the Death of Queen Caroline: The Ways of Zion Do Mourn” (no, really — try saying that in one breath) and Haydn’s missa brevis (Latin for actually pretty short as these things go) in F. England’s King George II commissioned Handel’s grief music in 1739; Handel himself died 20 years later, meaning he’s been outta here for 250 years. Haydn died exactly 200 years ago, so Musica Sacra’s pairing of the two is no coincidence. Live program notes (by director Timothy McDonald) start at 6:15 p.m., and the concert follows at 7; both are at St. Francis Xavier Church (1001 East 52nd Street, 816-523-5115). Call 816-235-6222 for tickets, or get them at the church ($18 for adults, $12 for students, free if you’re dead).

Sun., April 26, 7 p.m., 2009