As another Colorado winter rolls on, we’re revisiting the simmering, sumptuous virtuosity of Will Todd’s Mass in Blue, an Ars Nova fan favorite! This swinging approach to a traditional Latin mass conjures the big band dance halls and smokey, downtown nightclubs of quintessential American jazz. From a driving, brassy Credo befitting Count Basie’s Orchestra, to the Thelonius Monk-tinged grooves of Sanctus, Todd’s sacred opus is a brilliantly inventive aural tapestry that weaves imaginative melodies with 12-bar blues and up-beat grooves in a hybrid style that has been described as “religious doctrine meets funk!”
Artistic Director Tom Morgan pairs a recent Ars Nova recording of Mass in Blue with his signature video editing for an unforgettable virtual experience for the senses.
Program
Will Todd, Mass in Blue, op. 28 (2003)
- Kyrie
- Gloria
- Credo
- Sanctus
- Benedictus
- Agnus Dei
Download the digital concert program (PDF) – opens in a new tab.
Featured Guest Artists
Kathryn Radakovich
Soprano
Noted as a “very expressive soprano” (Opus Colorado), Kathryn Radakovich enjoys a varied career performing works from the modern, classical, baroque, and jazz idioms. Since arriving in Denver in 2013,…
Scott Martin
Piano
Scott Martin has performed professionally in a wide variety of musical styles and roles. He began his career as a studio musician in New York City working with artists including…
Mark Diamond
Bass
Mark’s hard-grooving acoustic bass sound was birthed in the New York area, where he learned to play many musical styles. His professional career started in New Jersey in the early…
Russ Meissner
Drums
New York drummer/composer Russ Meissner is currently involved with several projects including Jim Campilongo and Honeyfingers, the Sean Smith Quartet, the Matt Renzi Trio, the Kenny Wessel Group, the JC…
