The Patchwork Mass

DCA is excited to present The Patchwork Mass as the debut concert of our new Artistic Director, J. Matthew Lista. The movements of The Patchwork Mass are those of a standard Mass but are compiled from various Mass settings by different composers. Considering our Nation's historical or traditional motto, E Pluribus Unum Of Many, One, the music reflects the ideology of strength, unity, and resolve when all are gathered for a united cause. As we close out the semiquincentennial celebration of the United States, The Patchwork Mass highlights compositions and composers exemplary of the true fabric of America — a greater representation of the musical and cultural diaspora that is America. Through art and song there is more that unites us than divides us. The Patchwork Mass pulls from various lived experiences and stylings that capture the evolution of liturgical music throughout our history. Featuring sections from Robert Ray's Gospel Mass and Andre Thomas' Mass: A Celebration of Joy and Love, the Mass explores the fabric of American musical art. Some pieces are not specifically composed for the Mass Ordinary and are more representative of the ideologies behind the liturgical texts — such as Jacob Narverud's Woven Together and Aaron Copland's The Promise of Living. The Mass is bookended by two works of note Canticum Novum by Melissa Dunphy sets the tone with regal fanfare and excitement while the concluding piece of the concert, Canto' e Libertad, features the Afro-Puerto Rican bomba yuba style, one of the oldest musical traditions of Puerto Rico. Tickets are available online and at the door. Grace UMC in an accessible venue with ample free parking in the lots adjacent and across Washington St.