Event

Mass in Blue

Easton Choral Arts Society, under the direction of Wes Lockfaw, concludes its 38th season this April with the groundbreaking Mass in Blue by Will Todd, an upbeat jazz setting of the Latin Mass for choir and soloist. This performance features jazz singer Lena Seikaly, whom critics have named one of Washingtons preeminent jazz singers" and brightest voices in jazz" (The Washington Post), as well as a major league young talent in jazz by Duke Ellingtons biographer, Dr. John Hasse. Lena is already making her mark as both a revivalist of traditional jazz singing as well as an innovator in contemporary vocal jazz styles. She blends hot jazz and cool blues styles for a dynamic and uplifting choral encounter. When listening to Mass in Blue, it becomes immediately apparent that Will Todd has an intense passion for jazz, choral music and the Latin text. His masterful setting gracefully dances through many jazz styles in a way that is always appropriate, perfect, and satisfying. Expression is the main priority and listeners will be pleasantly surprised by how structured the work is, considering its jazzy style. Mass in Blue is a legitimate entry into the choral repertoire, and fans of high-quality choral singing will not want to miss the opportunity to experience this unique composition.

Following Mass in Blue, the program will move into a tribute to Moses Hogan. Hogan was one of the most celebrated contemporary directors and arrangers of spirituals, until his untimely death in 2003, at the age of 45. In his short life, he created dozens of new arrangements of classic spirituals, and formed several choirs that performed them with fresh vitality. His spirituals, with their haunting melodies, are rich with emotion from deeply moving interpretations ofPsalms and hymns. The performances will be held at the St Michaels High School Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, April 24, 2016.