Artvoice: Buffalo's #1 Newsweekly
Home Blogs Web Features Calendar Listings Artvoice TV Real Estate Classifieds Contact
Previous story: Tentet/Octet
Next story: Snapcase

Leonard Bernstein's Mass

This weekend Opera Sacra, producer Father Jack Ledwon and a huge cast of performers will take on Leonard Bernstein’s notoriously difficult “Mass,” in cooperation with Niagara University. Commissioned by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in 1971 for the opening of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, the piece for “singers, players and dancers” is still controversial and rarely performed. Bernstein based the piece on the Roman Catholic Mass, but he framed his piece in a contemporary context and used an eclectic mix of musical styles. As the press materials explain, “Bernstein poured his musical soul into this piece along with his concerns over a country in great turmoil. His lead character, the ‘Celebrant,’ suffers a crisis of conscience in the middle of the mass only to be led back to his spiritual center by those to whom he ministers.” Brother Augustine Towey, C.M., director emeritus of theater at Niagara University, directs this production. Debi Overton is the conductor. Tom Ralabate choreographs. The Buffalo Choral Arts Chamber Singers and the Buffalo Niagara Youth Choir are among the approximately one hundred performers required. The area premiere of “Mass” will play on Friday, November 16 and Saturday, November 17 at 8pm and Sunday, November 18 at 4pm. Tickets are $20 general admission and $15 for students and seniors, and will be available at the door one hour before performance time at St. Joseph University Roman Catholic Church on Main Street.

Friday, November 16-Sunday, November 18 at St. Joseph University Church, 3269 Main St. (833-6649). $15-$20