Monrovia’s St. Luke’s to Host ‘FrankenMass’ Musical Event

The award-winning San Gabriel Valley ChoralCompany (SGVCC) invites the public to attend a musical tribute on Nov. 2—thetraditional Feast of All Souls. “FrankenMass,” spinning off the Halloweenspirit in a tip of the baton to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein monster, will be apresentation of the parts of the Mass from diverse musical eras anddisciplines, resulting in the performance of a spiritually uplifting “whole,”from Kyrie to Dismissal. “FrankenMass” will be performed in the sanctuary ofthe historic St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Monrovia at 7:30 p.m., Saturdaynight, November 2.

“FrankenMass” will feature works from the MiddleAges through 20th century, including Guillaume de Machaut’s 14th Century “Itemissa est” (the mass is ended), possibly the first piece of its kind formally setto music. Other selections will be “Kyrie” from Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem; “Gloria”from “Missa Kenya” by Paul Basler (described as fusing Kenyan musicwith 20th century classical forms); “Credo” by Joseph Haydn; a Renaissance era “Sanctus”from “Mass for 3 Voices” by William Byrd composed in the time of QueenElizabeth I; and the haunting “Agnus Dei” from Gabriel Fauré’s “Requiem”composed in the late 19th Century. There is also a prelude to the mass,“Asperges me” by 16th Century Portuguese composer Filipe de Magalhãesa,typically sung during the Pascal season due to its themes of requestingcleansing and blessing.

SGVCC’s Artistic Director is Ukranian-bornconductor Dr. Alexandra Grabarchuk, who holds a doctorate from the UCLADepartment of Musicology. Her wide range of interests (from Renaissancepolyphony to traditional Balkan singing to Russian pop music) has lent itsflavors to the musical selections she makes for SGVCC. She shares herconducting and rehearsal assignments with Associate Advisor Dr. David Rentz, whois an associate professor of music at Chaffey College and has taught andconducted choral ensembles at such notable universities as Yale and the ScrippsColleges. Both Dr. Rentz and Dr. Garbarchuk have served as co-conductors ofC3LA (Contemporary Choral Collecive of Los Angeles).  

SGVCC has been bringing stunning choral music to the community since 1995. SGVCC’s mission is to connect singers and audiences through accessible and diverse programming, quality performances, and community service. SGVCC envisions a world elevated through the power of song. For more information, visit sgvccsingers.org. The San Gabriel Valley Choral Company (SGVCC) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Tickets for “FrankenMass,” are $20 for general admission, $15 for seniors and students, and $5 for children 12 and younger. SGVCC is committed to welcoming all music lovers, regardless of ability to pay full ticket price. Advance tickets may be purchased online at sgvccsingers.org, or by sending checks payable to: SGVCC, 2648 E. Workman Ave., Ste. 3001 #312, West Covina, CA 91791. Tickets purchased online by Nov. 1 will be eligible for a $5 discount. Tickets will also be available at the door.

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