On Saturday, 06 September 2025, the Laudem Dei Chamber Choir will celebrate Ola Gjeilo's Sunrise Mass at the stunning St Stithians Chapel in Joburg. This amazing piece will be performed at the event together with other choir favourites by Franco Prinsloo, Allan Koepke, and Eric Whitacre.
Behind the Music
Ola Gjeilo's Sunrise Mass is an emotional journey that transcends music. This 30-minute composition for choir and strings, titled Sunrise Mass, was written by Norwegian composer Olja Gjeilo (b. 1978). It consists of four sections: Identity & The Ground (Sanctus/ Benedictus & Agnus Dei), The City (Credo), The Spheres (Kyrie), and Sunrise (Gloria).
Gjeilo said of the work:
"The reason I used English titles for each movement in this setting of the Latin Mass has to do with the initial idea behind Sunrise Mass. I wanted the musical journey of the work to evolve from transparent and spacey to something earthy and warm; from nebulous and pristine, through more emotional landscapes, to ultimately solid groundedness – as a metaphor for human development from child to adult, or as a spiritual journey.
The piece is also inspired by several movies and film scores from the past few years that I love dearly."
What To Expect at the Performance
Every movement is like witnessing the light grow from dawn to day, from the serene "The Spheres" to the soaring "Gloria" and the poignant "Agnus Dei."
Laudem Dei is honored to perform on stage alongside a top-tier string ensemble made up of Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra members: Christi-Louise Swanepoel on double bass; Violeta Milijkovic and Kate White on viola; Maren Du Plessis and Thys Spies on cello; Miro Chakaryan, Leonie Greyling, Daline Mitchley, and Lize Schaap on violin.
This performance is sure to be a memorable way to celebrate spring! Join us for a musical morning experience.
Details
Date: Saturday, 06 September 2025
Time: 15:00
Venue: St Stithians Chapel, 3 Chapel Drive, Lyme Park, Sandton, Johannesburg.
Cost: R150 per person
For tickets and more information: email [email protected]
Alternatively, you can buy your ticket at the door. Ample seating is available.
For More Information
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Also, you can email [email protected] for more information.