Support the World Premiere Recording of “A Mass for the Oppressed” by Emerson Eads

Become a part of this production and this social justice movement which seeks "to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free..."

All supporters will be listed in the final score, and the cd liner notes unless anonymity is desired.

With your support we will produce a professional recording and live performance of this new Alaskan Mass dedicated to the plight of the oppressed by Fairbanks composer, Emerson Eads. Read here about the July 30th 2016 premiere in the composer's home town, Fairbanks, Alaska under the direction of Houston Symphony Assistant Conductor, Robert Franz.

Your donations will enable:

1. Production and recording by 5/4 Productions, Thom Moore.

2. Travel, lodging and payment for 5 soloists: soprano, Tess Altiveros; soprano, Jaunelle Celaire, mezzo-soprano, Toby Newman; tenor, Barry Banks; and bass-baritone, David Miller.

3. Booking of a professional orchestra: Strings 4,3,2,2,1 (12 string players), 1 percussionist, 1 pianist.

4. Instrument transport/ venue booking

5. CD/download marketing and jacket design

About the Mass:

Mass for the Oppressed is an original setting of the traditional Latin Mass by Alaskan composer and conductor Emerson Eads. It is an emotional and artistic response to the release of the Fairbanks Four. The mass is dedicated to the memory of his friend, Fr Normand Pepin, SJ, a Pulitzer prize-nominated composer, and dedicated advocate for social justice.

More broadly, Mass for the Oppressed aims to draw attention to the plight of the oppressed everywhere. The composer desires to create a musical space where the voice of the oppressed can be heard and the need for criminal justice reform can resonate.

This mass features text from the Latin Mass, it draws inspiration from the Bible and from the diary of Pope Francis, and sets poetry and prose of the composer's brother, Evan Eads. This year was declared by Pope Francis as a year of mercy: 2016 Jubilee. Fittingly, Pope Francis' words form the central Credo movement.

In November, Emerson Eads will be combining the forces of the Concordia Choir of Notre Dame and a professional orchestra, featuring, soprano Tess Altiveros; mezzo-soprano, Toby Newman; tenor, Barry Banks; and bass-baritone, David Miller. The event will feature the midwest premiere and world premiere recording, under the direction of the composer, documented and videoed by Sacred Music Notre Dame, with production designed and recorded by the grammy award-winning producer of 5/4 Productions, Thom Moore.

Click here for the extended video of Emerson Eads' project.