Willan West opens its 2018 festival by celebrating a Votive Mass honouring the early church father St John Chrysostom who is often commemorated on January 27. This Mass will feature three of Willan's compositions, written during one of his most prolific periods as Precentor of St. Mary Magdalene, Toronto.
Missa Brevis no. 5 (F# minor) is one of Willan's 14 Missa Breves, tailored and written specifically for the Gallery Choir of St. Mary Magdalene, Toronto. It is written in F# minor (including a 5 voice Kyrie), which gives it a particular mystical and arresting quality. Behold the Tabernacle of God (Liturgical Motet no. 9) was composed in 1933 for the 100th anniversary of the Church of St. James, Chicago, and dedicated to its famous composer and organist, Leo Sowerby. O King all Glorious (Liturgical Motet no. 2) was written to mark saints' days and for general use and displays Willan's masterful handling of text in miniature.

REPERTOIRE:
Missa Brevis no. 5 (F# minor), 1935
Motet: Behold, the Tabernacle of God, 1933
Motet: O King all Glorious, 1928
Including Gregorian Propers of the Day

For additional information about Healey Willan and the Healey Willan project visit willanwest.org.

"Music has been my chief delight, and if at any time I have been able to share this delight with others, I am content."