Haydn's 'Nelson' Mass, originally named 'Mass in Troubled Times', was written as Napoleon's invading armies were threatening Vienna, and gained its second nickname following Nelson's stunning victory over Bonaparte in the Battle of the Nile. Considered one of the composer's profoundest creations, it moves from darkness to a jubilant finale. Herreweghe gathers a quartet of remarkable British singers for the piece's virtuosic vocal solos.

Afterwards, Herreweghe directs three warm, reverential choral motets by Bruckner, and Stravinsky's hugely powerful Symphony of Psalms, which combines spiritual solemnity with sparkling wit.