On Tuesday, April 26, at 8:00pm, the Appalachian Chorale and Jazz Ensemble I will perform Mass in Blue, a jazz mass by composer Will Todd.
Experience the energy live in Rosen Concert Hall or join us via livestream at music.appstate.edu/performances!
Composer Will Todd on Mass in Blue
“The Mass in Blue came into being as the result of a commission from David Temple and Hertfordshire Chorus in 2003. Musically, it represents a conscious collision of two musical genres which have been a central part of my artistic life for many years: sacred choral music and jazz.
"It was somewhat daunting to set the Latin mass, so familiar to me from having sung the great settings by Byrd, Haydn, and others, and it took me a while to find my way into the piece and work out what I wanted to say: in the end, plainsong and the 12-bar blues showed me the way forward.”
Appalachian Chorale and Jazz Ensemble I
Dr. Meg Stohlmann coached the students and community members of the Appalachian Chorale over the course of many Monday night rehearsals and even a live ZOOM with the composer.
"The Appalachian Chorale has worked tirelessly this semester to bring this piece to life," Stohlmann says. "It features the unique talents of our collaborative pianist, Tyler Dellaperute, and provides an opportunity to collaborate with our wonderful jazz musicians in the Hayes School of Music. We hope that you enjoy this North Carolina premiere of Will Todd’s Mass in Blue."
Professor Todd Wright and members of Jazz Ensemble I collaborated with the Appalachian Chorale to bring the piece to life. Maggie Stone is the soprano soloist.
The Appalachian Chorale is open to all students, faculty, and members of the High Country community, with no audition required. Students can register for MUS 1109 for 1 credit. Community members can register through the community music school. For more information, email Dr. Meg Stolhmann at stohlmannmm@appstate.edu or go to the App Chorale page on the Community Music School website.
Appalachian Youth Chorale at 5:45
Come earlier in the evening from 5:45-6:15 to hear the Appalachian Youth Chorale (AYC), also directed by Dr. Meg Stohlmann with collaborative pianist Brandon Winbush. The young singers of AYC, ages 7-14, have prepared an exciting program to share with family and friends. See what this Community Music School ensemble has been up to this Spring and bookmark the Appalachian Youth Chorale page on the CMS website to join next Fall!
