Celtic Mass for the Sea

Composed in 1988, premiered in 1991, The Celtic Mass for the Sea has become a contemporary choral classic. Combining a chamber string orchestra and choir with a Celtic ensemble of harp, pipes, mandolin, fiddle and guitars, the Mass is an exuberant celebration of the teeming life in the waters covering our planet – and a warning of the dangers of abusing it. The libretto is based on ancient Celtic incantation and prayers that express startlingly-modern environmental concerns.
Since its premiere, the Mass has been performed at least once every year in various parts of Canada. It received a standing ovation at its New York premiere at Carnegie Hall in June of 2002, and it has since been performed in many other countries, including Switzerland, the United States and the United Kingdom. It has become a particular favourite in Germany, where it has been presented at least ten times, and it continues to be a bestseller on the Marquis Classics label, having sold more than 20,000 copies.

WHAT THE CRITICS HAVE SAID:

“Remarkable is its diversity of the musical impressions. Sometimes the music is gliding away like a soft breeze, then, it rears up like a giant wave. Soft sounds alternate with chords, which sound like a storm tide.” OPENING REVIEW OF THE “VENNER FOLK-FRÜHLING –Germany
“Celtic Mass for the Sea puts Scott Macmillan up with the Bill Whelan’s and Shaun Davey’s of the world… a Celtic classical composer par excellence”. JOHN O’REGAN, Limerick, Ireland
“Macmillan’s score is as rich in musical imagery as Brickenden’s compiled Celtic texts in verbal metaphor.” HALIFAX CHRONICLE-HERALD
“The entertainment value in this package is overpowering.” RPM CHART WEEKLY: …
“it is a living statement of an exciting new dimension of our contemporary Atlantic Canadian culture” THE COAST

WHAT THE FANS HAVE SAID:

“A wonderful piece of music” – the late former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudreau
“Outstanding! Captures the spirituality of the sea; the wonder, the beauty of God’s creation and renewal.” Jean C, Kailua HI
“A ‘blessing’ for the ear and soul.” – Allan B, Vancouver BC
“Reverent, Beautiful and Profound.” Lynn P, Mattydale NY
“Incredible diversity of cultural eloquence.” -Teri S, Ayer MA
“Fabulous piece of music from beginning to end.” – The History Room, Kingsboro PEI