Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Canadian premiere of Afro Caribbean Mass by Fred Onovwerosuoke


Wendy Hymes writes:

Hello Friends,

Just wanted you to know about tonight's premiere:

Date: April 11, 2012
Work: Afro Caribbean Mass for Mixed Choir and Band (Canadian Premiere!)

Performer: Bethany College Concert Choir, directed by Dr. Randy Klassen
Knox United Church, 838 Spadina Crescent East, Saskatoon, CA. 2:30PM


Description: The Afro Caribbean Mass follows the usual liturgical setting of the Kyrie, Gloria-Laudamus Te, Acclamation (Hallelujah), Credo, Sanctus and Agnus Dei. It is sung in the English language with some West African Pidgin English and Caribbean Patois, albeit with ocassional Latin text intoning the Kyrie and Gloria. The idea of panning to a cross-cultural genre was inspired by the need to present other ethnic and global perspectives in Christian religious worship. Stylistically, the work draws from diverse music genres such as traditional African traditional harmonies and popular dance music, as well as Caribbean "Reggae-Calypso" and American R&B. It is scored for mixed choir, soloist and piano, with optional band accompaniment of horns, electric guitars, synthesizer and percussion. Each of the six pieces can be performed independently as a concert item, while the full work of about 25 minutes of music can be spread throughout a normal worship. With gratitude to God for all the choirs and friends who have inspired this work and performed each piece when they were completed.

Afro Caribbean Mass
--
Dr. Wendy Hymes
Director of Development
African Musical Arts Inc.

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