A special performance of Paul Winter's Earth Mass
(with an open rehearsal at 11 a.m.)
Conducted by Joe Hickman, performed by UNCW Combined Choirs, chamber ensemble and special guests: former members of UNCW choirs return to perform in the choir for this celebration of the Earth.
The Missa Gaia, or Earth Mass, whose name derives from the ancient Greek word gaia meaning “earth,” was commissioned by the the Very Reverend James Parks Morton, Dean of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City, as a contemporary, ecumenical mass. Composed in 1980 by Paul Winter, Jim Scott, Paul Halley, Oscar Castro-Neves, and Kim Oler, Missa Gaia developed as a musical, liturgical celebration of the earth and the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi. Along with the voices of choir, Earth Mass brings in the voices of nature: wolves, whales, seals.
Missa Gaia follows the traditional structure of the mass and comprises an opening canticle ("Canticle of Brother Sun"), Kyrie (with Alaskan tundra wolf), Beatitudes (from the Gospel of St. Matthew), Sanctus (with humpback whale), Agnus Dei (with harp seals), hymn of celebration ("The Blue-Green Hills of Earth") and a closing canticle (reprise of "Canticle of Brother Sun"). The result is an inspiring work that has become part of the choral repertoire mainstream, making the leap from “church music” to “concert music.”
A lovely way to celebrate SeaHawk Preview Day! And what better way to prepare for Earth Day!
Campus visitors!
Make this part of your Preview Day experience.
If you're interested in studying music or being part of a music ensemble, this concert is a wonderful introduction to the music program.
The concert is free, so make sure you arrive early to get a seat!