St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church presents special music the first Sunday of each month.
This Sunday, St. Philip's adult choirs will perform South African Mass by William Bradley Roberts as part of the 9 and 11:15 a.m. services.
Accompaniment will be provided by St. Philip's Chamber Orchestra, made up of some of Tucson's finest instrumentalists, including an expanded percussion section.
In celebration of St. Philip's 75th anniversary, Roberts, who served as music director at the church from 1993 to 2002, is returning to conduct his own works.
In addition to the Mass, the choirs will present Roberts' arrangements of the spirituals "Didn' Mah Lord Delivuh Daniel," "Down to the River to Pray" and "This Little Light of Mine," plus the anthem "Pie Jesu," commissioned especially for this service.
People are also reading…
In recognition of the liturgical theme of the day, the Feast of All Saints, this composition is offered as a prayer on behalf of and in thanksgiving for the loved ones who are remembered this day.
The South African Mass is based on tunes collected while the composer was traveling in Africa in 2004 and 2006.
There, Roberts said, "we discovered a charming culture, remarkably hospitable people and lovely indigenous music."
The Mass was composed in honor of a visit of South Africans to his church in Washington, D.C. The "Gloria" of the Mass is set to a popular Xhosa song and the arrangement even uses the characteristic clicks of the Xhosa language.
The tune of the "Sanctus" (Holy, Holy, Holy) was originally a freedom song from the days of Apartheid.
The public is invited. A freewill offering will be taken.
St. Philip's is located at 4440 N. Campbell Ave. Ample parking is available in the north parking lot.
To contribute a story, go online to azstarnet.com/foothills
