Sunday, 30th March – Stavanger Vocal Ensemble Performs The Holy Spirit Mass

Performers:

Stavanger Vocal Ensemble

Conductor: Aleksandra Orzechowska-Niedziela

Musicians:

Sondre Fjose Sandberg – Violin

Åsne Fluge James – Violin

Magnhild S. Torvanger – Violin

Gro Hole Austgulen – Violin

Nora Elida Svendsen Kvam – Viola

Hjalmar Kvam – Cello

Ivan Zavgorodniy – Double Bass

Antonina Suslova – Piano

The Holy Spirit Mass was composed in 2016/2017 by Norwegian composer Kim André Arnesen (b. 1980, Trondheim). It premiered in the USA and has also been performed in Italy, but has rarely been heard in Norway.

This is a unique opportunity to experience this beautiful piece live in Stavanger!

Gramophone.co.uk writes:
Arnesen aimed to make the work both festive and contemplative, offering “comfort, strength, inspiration, and excitement.”

By blending the traditional Mass texts with English translations of Veni Creator Spiritus (9th century) and Luther’s hymn Come Holy Ghost, God and Lord, he has truly revitalised the genre. His style is diatonically accessible, often reminiscent of background music found in high-end TV productions. The varied emotional responses to the texts are beautifully supported by piano and string accompaniment. The opening string section is wonderfully atmospheric and soothing. Other highlights include the ‘funky’ bass in The Spirit’s Work and an exquisite violin solo in the Peace movement, culminating in a stunning final cadence.

The first recording of The Holy Spirit Mass was released in 2021 with Trondheim Vocal Ensemble and Trondheim Soloists—available on Spotify.

Welcome!