NOVA SINGERS Spring 2005 Concert Series March- 11, 13, & 15

Mass of the Children was written by John Rutter in late 2002 and premiered in February 2003 at New York 's Carnegie Hall, conducted by Rutter himself. The opening of the outstanding Mass of the Children is full of promise with its exciting, engaging tune for children's chorus capturing our attention and setting the stage for a fresh, new experience. There are many more marvelous passages for the children's voices, including the lovely Benedictus, a lilting, Siciliana-like section whose initial gentleness expands into a full-bodied expression, joined by the adult choir and soloists. One of the more affecting passages is the Agnus Dei, whose opening minutes capture the profound seriousness and eternal consequences of our plea for mercy. Just as suddenly, the children take over with a tender, beguiling setting of William Blake's The Lamb , returning our thoughts to the innocent one who "became a little child", the one to whom we pray. Then, not unsurprisingly for this optimistic composer, we're left with a Dona Nobis Pacem benediction that is as strongly reassuring as we can imagine. In addition to the standard Latin Missa brevis (i.e. a Mass not including a Credo section), Rutter also characteristically organizes his material by inserting texts from other sources, "giving the whole work the framework of a complete day, from waking to sleeping", beginning and ending with settings of a morning and evening hymn by Bishop Thomas Ken.

Also on the program Nova Singers will perform a variety of pieces including several selections from across the pond by the “fab four” Beatles. Join Nova Singers and the Singing Lions Honor Choir for an evening of firsts and favorites.

For Nova Singers information or for further concert information and directions please visit the Nova Singers web site at www.nova.edu/novasingers/ or contact Miles Burnett at 954-262-2135.

NOVA SINGERS Spring 2005 Concert Series

Friday, March 11, 2005 at 8:15 pm
Plantation United Methodist Church
901 Northwest 70 Avenue
Plantation , Florida 33313 954-584-7500
Admission is free (a free will donation is encouraged).

Sunday, March 13, 2005 at 4:00 pm
St. Gregory's Episcopal Church
100 Northeast Mizner Boulevard
Boca Raton, Florida 33432 561-395-8285
Tickets are $5 at the door – Children under 12 are free