Alternate working titles, Mass for John Paul II or Missa Ioannis Pauli PP. II

In honor of Pope John Paul II, and his startling and wonderful addition to the rosay of the Luminous Mysteries, I have been inspired to begin a Mass for chorus (SATB) and orchestra. This is one of two big sacred projects currently underway, the other being a Magnificat for Christmas 2003. The remainder of the text of this letter is similar in both descriptions.

When I proposed a School Commission for the new Sea Songs, asking for a few choruses to jointly sponsor the creation of the new work, it proved marvelously stimulating and successful all around. I wrote more and better music with the back-and-forth emails with potential and participating directors, and got a little money and premieres by fine choruses; they got a commissioned work, dedication in the published score, and rights of premiere, all for a far smaller cost than a full commission, and they knew exactly what they were getting before committing to pay for it or premiere it.

So, responding to success with more success, now I wonder if choruses with a sacred orientation would like to participate in the same plan. This would be for professional or community choruses planning a sacred-music program for next season, or church music organizations capable of mounting a full-scale concert with chorus and chamber orchestra.

If more than one chorus is involved, the premiere would be planned to be around the same time of year, though not necessarity the very same day.

You would have credit in the published scores and assistance with publicity.

This is a large project, the writing of which will probably take many weeks. Right now the total anticipated duration of music is about 20-30 minutes; it could be somewhat less or more depending on your input and depending on how the music comes as it is worked out. Text will be the standard mass text, in latin. Possibly text for each of the Mysteries would be appropriate in addition -- I would want input from the potential chorus partners about that.

Please email if you have an interest; I can send you samples and drafts as they become available. You would not be expected to pay for anything or commit to the project until a good deal of the music is completed and you have ample time to review it.

Happy school commission participants who have given me permission to mention their names: Bruce Lengacher, Acalanes High School, Lafayette, CA and Stephen A. Stomps, Auburn High School, Auburn NY. They and the other participants are Choralisters, and all found out about my music from a posting about the commission on Choralist. The results of School Commission 2002-2003 at the Sea Songs link.