At a time when war is on many minds, looking back to 1796, a time when Austria feared war and invasion, is illuminating. At 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 10, at Christ the King Church in Old Lyme, Con Brio Choral Society will perform Haydn’s Mass in Time of War (“Messe in Tempore Belli”) written in recognition of that unsettled time. The work is also known as the “Pauken Messe” (Timpani mass) because of Haydn’s use of warlike timpani and trumpet calls in the last movements of the piece.

But now is also a time to look forward with hope, to spring and to renewal. And to Easter, the most joyous holiday in the church calendar. In that spirit, Con Brio’s singers will lift their voices in the joyous Hallelujah, from Beethoven’s “Mount of Olives” and, with soloist Patricia Schuman, the Easter Hymn from Mascagni’s “Cavalleria Rusticana.” And for sheer joy, what can match the rousing opera favorite, the Toreador Song from Bizet’s Carmen, which soloist David Pittsinger will perform with Con Brio.

Con Brio is directed by Stephen Bruce in this, the second concert of its 25th season.

Tickets are $35 ($15 students) at conbrio.org or by calling (860) 526-5399.

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