Missa Gaia/Earth Mass Celebrates Beauty of Earth

A timber wolf howls, and is answered by a soprano saxophone.

Another howl, and a singer calls out. A choir joins in, accompanied by drummers, chamber orchestra, and pipe organ, in celebration of the beauty of the earth.

Missa Gaia/Earth Mass was composed in 1980 by members of the Paul Winter Consort, to celebrate the sacred beauty of Mother Earth and all her creatures. The Missa Gaia PDX community chorus and ensemble, directed by Susan Peck, will present the Missa Gaia at First Unitarian Church in downtown Portland at 4:00 pm on Sunday, August 24.

This project was produced in partnership with Friends of the Columbia Gorge, with support of a community participation project grant from RACC (Regional Arts and Culture Council). Peck has assembled a one-time festival community chorus of 65 voices, with singers from several local churches and community choirs including Portland Gay Men’s Chorus, Portland Lesbian Chorus, Aurora Chorus, Satori, Portland Peace Choir, Sing Portland, and PDX Vox. Singers in the choir have explored the Gorge on a number of hikes led by Peck, and serenaded Wahkeena Falls with excerpts from Missa Gaia.

65 Vocalists and 9 Instrumentalists

I am thrilled to be performing this music. I’m playing the part written and performed by Paul Winter. It’s amazing music and feels Sacred and Earthy.

Vocal soloists are Lauri Jones and Dustin Hunley. Ensemble includes Mary Ellen Grace (soprano saxophone), Liz Byrd (‘cello), Betty Booher (English horn), Joe O’Donnell (pipe organ), Mitchell Falconer (piano), Michael Mandrell (guitar), Chip Herbert (bass), Tim Rap and Dianna Hnatiw (percussion). Michael Mandrell will play an opening set.

Missa Gaia/Earth Mass
composed by members of the Paul Winter Consort

Susan Peck
director/producer

Missa Gaia PDX Community Chorus, with chamber ensemble

Time and Date:  4:00 p.m.  Sunday, August 24

Place: First Unitarian Church, SW 12th and Main

Produced in partnership with Friends of the Columbia Gorge

Tickets: $15 in advance from Friends of Columbia Gorge website, $20 at door

Funded in part by a grant from the Regional Arts and Culture Council. http://www.racc.org