The Vocal Art Ensemble and Tracia Barbieri, Director, present Missa Virtualis, Fusion of Faith

For hundreds of years, Europe’s most talented composers aspired to create music worthy of devout worship, which they set into musical Mass settings, known as “Missa” in Latin.

“There are so many stunning Mass settings, and I think very few people ever get to enjoy them,” explains VAE director Tracia Barbieri. “Sure, you may have heard music by Josquin or Tallis or Byrd, but their Masses are harder to experience because they aren't often programmed in concerts or even in worship—and that is a real shame because they could very well be some of their most inspired works!”

Missa Virtualis sets rare repertoire within the context of the Mass form, with each section combining different composers and unique moments in music history. The concert will also include an artful sampling of diverse contemporary choral repertoire, chosen for its adherence to the spirit of the Mass and its messages of humility, praise, hope, and peace.

“Abun D'bash'maiyo resonates with me because of its ancient language,” says Steve Burns, who sings bass in VAE. “The composer Mark Templeton researched and set the Lord's Prayer in the Syriac dialect of Aramaic, the language believed to be used by Jesus himself.

“When I sing it I feel….transported!”

Guiding the audience through this program will be a series of multimedia videos created specifically for this concert, written by Laura Sandage and narrated by professional voice actor James K Flynn.

“Music becomes more enriching when you know the stories behind its creation!” notes Barbieri. “So I am excited about intertwining this ancient art with modern technology, so that our audiences can connect to the music on multiple levels.”

Whether they are aware of it or not, fans of choral music have been affected by the Mass. Masses were hugely responsible for the flourishing of polyphonic music during the Renaissance, and as the principal large-scale musical composition of the day it set a precedent for many beloved large scale vocal works to come, such as Mozart's Requiem or even Orff's Carmina Burana.

But for the Vocal Art Ensemble, this concert is intended to be a chance to enjoy a more intimate atmosphere—one that can arise from contemplative moments of quiet beauty.

“I love learning this music, whose melodies are a balm to the soul,” comments VAE alto Pat Moore-Pickett. “I hope many others take the chance to have their souls soothed through this concert.”

To augment the concert's historical component, VAE will be joined by members of the UC Davis Viol Consort, an ensemble formed by musicology Ph.D. candidate Melita Denny. Viols, otherwise known as viola de gamba, were popular in instrumental ensembles in the 15th to 17th centuries. Though they look like cellos of varying sizes, they are more closely related to the lute, and offer a distinct, ancient sound.

“I am very excited to be part of this fascinating program that examines the Mass from different perspectives,” reports Denny. “So much of the music we play is either vocal music or closely connected to vocal music, and there is a lot we can learn by approaching our music in the way that a singer would.”

MISSA VIRTUALIS

FRI DEC 9, 2016 - 7:30 pm

Trinity Episcopal Cathedral (2620 Capitol Ave, Sacramento)

SAT DEC 10, 2016 – 7:30pm

Unitarian Universalist Church (27078 Patwin Rd, Davis)

SUN DEC 11, 2016 – 4:00pm

United Methodist Church (1620 Anderson Road, Davis)

Suggested Donation: $10-25

For more information, please visit www.vae.trug.com or call (530) 757-2396.

Photo credit: Pete Hartsough