Missa Gaia (Earth Mass)

The Kings Chorus and Capella Regalis Men and Boys Choir, under the direction of Nick Halley, will perform the Paul Winter Consorts wild and grand Missa Gaia or Earth Mass in honour of Earth Day on April 22.

Missa Gaia is a jubilant contemporary mass, based on a traditional mass setting, but added to which are the songs of the whale, loon, and the wolf and the elemental power of African and Brazilian percussion. I envisioned a celebration that was both ecumenical and ecological, says composer Paul Winter, one that would embrace all life on Earth.

Performing with the choirs will be the well-known American gospel singer soloist Theresa Thomason, who, according to Paul Halley, a former member of the Paul Winter Consort and one of the composers of the Missa Gaia, never fails to bring audiences to their feet, her singing is so powerful. There will also be a band of 10 musicians, including Paul Halley on piano, Nick Halley on drums, and Dani Oore on saxophones.