This spring\, Portsmouth Pro Musica (PPM)\, under artistic director Priscilla Stevens French\, encourages everyone to live free with a little &ldquo\;Bluegrass and Bernstein.&rdquo\; \; \;
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\n\nThe chorus will perform \;The World Beloved - A Bluegrass Mass \;by Carol Barnett\, accompanied by a five-piece bluegrass band (fiddle\, mandolin\, guitar\, string bass\, and banjo) of local musicians. \; This innovative piece blends the solemnity of the classical-based Mass with modern choral sophistication and insightful poetry.
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\n\nThe mass premiered in 2007 and has been performed over 60 times by choruses from Washington DC to California\, including twice in Carnegie Hall. \; But this performance is a rare opportunity to see and hear it in the Granite State.
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\n\nComposer Barnett noted\, &ldquo\;To bring the solemnity of the classical-based Mass together with the down-home sparkle of bluegrass -- now there&rsquo\;s an assignment.&rdquo\; \; \; PPM shares her hope that\, &ldquo\;Listeners coming from one tradition -- classical or bluegrass -- and perhaps dubious about the other\, might discover something new and wonderful in the combination.&rdquo\;
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\n\nIn addition to performing the Mass\, the chorus will celebrate the centennial of the birth of Leonard Bernstein\, presenting an unpublished medley by Bill Cutter\, who is the director of choral programs at MIT. \; Selections include pieces from \;West Side Story\, \;Candide\, and \;Wonderful Town.
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\n\nPerformances will be held on Saturday\, April 13\, 8:00 pm (Phillips Church\, Exeter\, NH) and Sunday April 14\, 3:00 PM (Christ Episcopal Church\, Portsmouth\, NH).
\n LOCATION:Christ Episcopal Church\, 1035 Lafayette Rd\, Portsmouth\, NH 03801 UID:e.1659.43817 SEQUENCE:3 DTSTAMP:20260417T224615Z URL:https://business.portsmouthchamber.org/events/details/the-world-beloved-a-bluegrass-mass-43817 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR