🌿 Missa Gaia/ Earth Mass 🌿
Please join us for a performance of Jazz musician Paul Winter’s Missa Gaia (Earth Mass) this Sunday at 3pm in the sanctuary, presented by the St. Paul’s choir and friends. This special event is dedicated to celebrating Earth Day (April 22nd) and honoring the cherished memory of Rev. Karen Hilfman Millson.
📅 Date: Sunday, April 21, 2024 🕒 Time: 3:00 PM 📍 Location: St. Paul’s Centre
We will also be Live Streaming it on YouTube, here is the link:
https://youtu.be/xCqfSEa6fCo
Prepare to be captivated by a multi-media presentation that harmoniously blends choral and instrumental music, dance, readings and photography, creating an experience that echoes the spirit of our planet.
The 7-piece instrumental ensemble accompanying the choir features Peter Voisey playing soprano and 'sopranino' saxophones, Alyssa Wright on cello, Dan McCoy on pipe organ, along with piano, drums, tympani and a variety of percussion instruments all under the direction of conductor Blair Bailey.
Created in 1981 by jazz musician Paul Winter for the ecumenical cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City, Missa Gaia is a musical and visual celebration embracing all forms of life on earth. Paul Winter writes, “I envisioned a celebration that was both ecological and ecumenical, one that would embrace all life on earth.”
The musical stylings of this 'Earth Mass' range from traditional hymn-tunes to African inspired rhythms, ancient plainchant to Brazilian baiao folk rhythms, Classical-style choral writing to modern jazz harmonies. Some of the choral movements are interspersed with pre-recorded whale songs, wolf and harp seal pup calls, and the haunting cry of the loon. Accompanying the music will be interpretive dance and stunning visual images of nature and the environment projected on the large screens.
A free-will offering will be collected with the proceeds going to 'greening' initatives at St. Paul's.
We deeply appreciate your support for the choir and this unique tribute to celebrate 'Earth Day.'