Evensong Service with the Otherworldly Sunrise Mass

University Singers Chamber Choir from CU Boulder
Photographer: Eric Weber

All are invited to experience a performance of a new and profoundly spiritual work, the Sunrise Mass of Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo (say: Yay-lo), at 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 9 at Littleton United Methodist Church.

Gjeilo set traditional texts of the Church in four movements entitled The Spheres, Sunrise, The City, and Identity & The Ground. The progression through these movements represents a metaphysical journey from the cosmos to earth, through human existence, to the innermost Self and, finally, to the essence of our being in Divine Love.

The Sunrise Mass will be the centerpiece of a one-hour Evensong Service that will include times of prayer and introspection. The Chancel Choir of Littleton UMC will be joined by the gifted string players of the Colorado Chamber Orchestra and the University Singers Chamber Choir a group from CU Boulder that Dr. David Kates has conducted since January 2013.

Those who do not typically like classical music, will love this moving piece, while lovers of classical music will be struck by the originality of the work, and will be right at home with a number of familiar things, from the traditional choir and orchestra to the text of the mass. Preview the work on the composer’s site http://olagjeilo.com/cd/sunrise-mass/