MANSFIELD, PA—The Mansfield University Festival Chorus, under the direction of Peggy Dettwiler, will present two major works, Requiem for the Living by Dan Forrest and A High Lonesome Mass by Tim Sharp and Wes Ramsay, on Saturday, April 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 17 at 2:30 p.m. in Steadman Theatre.
The Requiem for the Living is a work for choir and chamber orchestra inspired by the Requiems of Fauré and Rutter. While Forrest included the traditional Kyrie, Agnus Dei, Sanctus, and Lux Aeterna, he replaced the Dies Irae with Vanitas Vanitatum about the pain of existence. The overall effect of the work, however, is a celebration of life.
Forrest was born in Elmira, NY, and received degrees in Piano Performance from Bob Jones University and a D.M.A. in composition from the University of Kansas. He has become one of the leading choral composers in the country.
Forrest’s Requiem for the Living received more than 100 performances world-wide within a year of its composition in 2013, including performances in Canada, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and multiple performances at Carnegie Hall.
A High Lonesome Mass, composed by Tim Sharp and Wes Ramsay, is a mass in bluegrass style. The words “high, lonesome” come from Bill Monroe’s famous description of bluegrass music. Composers Sharp and Ramsay combine the sound of southern vocal and instrumental harmony with the traditional form of the mass using early American hymn tunes and bluegrass instruments.
The work is a combination of the ageless words of worship from the Ordinary of the Mass (Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei) and the indigenous music of the American South. Elements of shape-note singing and sacred harp are intertwined with beautiful melodies and harmonies of Appalachian folk music. Add the energy and color of bluegrass instruments, and you have a delightful work displaying a variety of musical styles. 
Crow Hill, a five member blue grass band from from Berks County, PA, will accompany both performances.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens and $5 for students and children. They can be purchased online at music.mansfield.edu or by calling (570)662-4710. Tickets will also be available at the door.
The concert is supported in part by student activity fees.