Canendo Project Choir presents: Massa Vitae

STEVE DOBROGOSZ'S MASS for choir, string orchestra, and piano is decidedly untraditional. It is not stylistically or structurally derived from past settings of the Mass. This is an original chamber work with popular, jazz, and classically Romantic influences and includes a mixture of vocal incantations--chant; long, arched unison melody; and echoing phrases between male and female voices. It is an odd but attractive blend of religious solemnity, personal statement, and relaxed but expressive informality.

The work is a chorus and piano duet, with the strings enhancing the vocal lines with long, sustained bowings. On occasion, the strings perform as a separate unit to introduce or expand on a theme, such as in the introduction, or in the preparation of the final singing of the Agnus Dei. There are also several slowly developing crescendos in which the full ensemble participates. These crescendos, notably in the Kyrie and in the ''Osanna'' of the Sanctus, succeed in building the music.

In addition to that, we will be debuting two excerpts from Morné van der Westhuyzen’s “Requiem Mass”.

CONCERT DATES:

20 August @ 16:30

26 August @ 18:30

27 August @ 16:30

QUERIES:

[email protected]

SPONSORSHIP:

The piano for the 3 concerts has been proudly sponsored by WS Pianos. Email them at [email protected]