“Joseph Haydn fascinates me not only as a musician, but also as a person,” says Justin Doyle. “Whether as a court servant or an international superstar, he felt at ease and was able to connect with people from all walks of life.” And, according to the chief conductor and artistic director of the RIAS Chamber Choir, his music often makes him smile—the perfect conditions for him and his ensemble to frame our Haydn Day!

Haydn’s St. Nicholas Mass will start Sunday at St. Hedwig’s Cathedral, and in the evening, the “Creation Mass” will be performed in the Great Hall. The “Missa Sancti Nicolai” for oboes, horns, and strings, composed in 1772, has a pastoral character. Haydn likely wrote it to celebrate the name day of Prince Nikolaus Esterházy on December 6.