A Mass to Be Reckoned With
Soundcheck | May 3, 2010
At the behest of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Leonard Bernstein composed his Mass
for the 1971 opening of Washington's Kennedy Center. Much to the chagrin of his
critics (Roman Catholics in particular), Bernstein incorporated musical styles
as varied as gospel, classical, jazz, and rock into his sprawling religious work.
Tonight, the Mass gets its first New York performance in 28 years, and musician
Jamie Bernstein Thomas visits to discuss how her father's fascination with Catholic
liturgy and pageantry inspired his writing. Plus, clarinetist, vocalist, and composer
Derek Bermel talks about how a recent stay in Bulgaria informed his latest composition,
which the Westchester Philharmonic will premiere this week.
More than any other area orchestra, the Westchester Philharmonic has based its performance heritage on the performing and promoting of contemporary classical music.
More about the Westchester Philharmonic
More than any other area orchestra, the Westchester Philharmonic has based its performance heritage on the performing and promoting of contemporary classical music.
More about the Westchester Philharmonic
Multiple-award winning composer Derek Bermel is also the music director of
TONK, a Dutch-American ensemble that tackles poetry, music, visual arts, and
dance.
More about Derek Bermel
