In an era where our connection to the environment is more vital than ever, the Christchurch City Choir invites audiences to a powerful celebration of the Earth through a masterfully curated program of contemporary choral works. On Saturday, June 13th at 7:30pm, the choir will bridge the gap between the human spirit and the natural world in a performance defined by international excellence and local heart.
The evening’s centrepiece is Paul Winter’s groundbreaking Missa Gaia (Earth Mass). This is no traditional liturgical work; it is a vibrant, “eco-spiritual” mass that weaves the human voice together with the haunting, evocative sounds of nature. Supported by a rich instrumental tapestry of percussion, organ, clarinet, and saxophone, the choir integrates recorded calls of the wild to create a soundscape as expansive as the wilderness itself.
Complementing the Earth Mass is a selection of works by Paul Halley, renowned for his rhythmic vitality. The choir will bring to life his celebrated Freedom Trilogy, the serene Ubi Caritas, and the lush Love Songs for Springtime, exploring the intersection of spirituality and the changing seasons.
Bringing the evening home to Aotearoa is the Silver Whispers Suite by acclaimed New Zealand composer Leonie Holmes. This evocative suite celebrates life in its most diverse forms—from the “scuttle of insects to the unearthly song of whales”—and features the poignant poetry of Christchurch’s own Marnie Barrell.
Experience this extraordinary performance with the Christchurch City Choir on Saturday, June 13th at 7:30pm. Tickets are available through TicketMaster.