May 16 & May 17 — “Missa Gaia” (The Earth Mass)
Paul Winter’s “Missa Gaia” (The Earth Mass) is based on “Canticle for Brother Sun,” by St. Francis Assisi (the original Christian tree-hugger). A lovely and joyful piece of jazzy contemporary worship music laced with gospel harmonies and global beats, “Missa Gaia” will be performed by Encore Vocal Arts, St. Luke’s Chancel and Children’s Choirs, and an ensemble of instrumentalists. Plus guest soloists: a wolf, a whale, and a loon! Well, probably recordings of the wildlife … Indianapolis is still waiting for a church with the green grapes to include a live wolf in its performance of “Missa Gaia.”
When: Friday, May 16th & Saturday, May 17th 7:30pm
Where: St. Luke’s United Methodist Church 100 W. 86th Street Indianapolis IN
The Chancel Choir, Children’s Choirs, collaborative guests, Encore Vocal Arts, along with guest instrumentalists will present two performances of Paul Winter’s Missa Gaia. This rhythmic, joyous and contemporary celebration of the Earth is filled with beautiful choruses, global and jazz influences, as well as featuring the voices of wolf, whale and loon! Based on the stirring words of St. Francis “Canticle of Brother Sun” (which we frequently sing as “All Creatures of Our God and King”) the performances are organized as a liturgical mass – including solo selections presented by the 40-voice chamber choir Encore Vocal Arts, and the St. Luke’s Chancel Choir. Both nights, the Green Ministry will host a narthex Earth Fair with informational displays from local environmental organizations.
