On Nov. 16, the Choir of St. Mark presented Mass of the Americas, a complex and stirring choral tribute to Our Lady by contemporary composer Frank La Rocca.
We speak often about the importance of upholding the Church’s centuries-old sacred music tradition, but we should also remember that there is still beautiful music being written today. Mass of the Americas is an excellent case in point. Commissioned by the Benedict XVI Institute in Menlo Park, California, the work was intended for liturgical use, but more than holds its own as a stand-alone composition.
From the Benedict XVI Institute website:
Frank La Rocca’s Mass of the Americas was conceived by Archbishop Cordileone as a twinned tribute to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception (patroness of the United States) and Our Lady of Guadalupe (patroness of Mexico and all the Americas). It elevates much-loved Mexican folk hymns to Our Lady and includes possibly the first Ave Maria hymn ever composed in Nahuatl, the Aztec language Our Lady spoke to St. Juan (benedictinstitute.org/mota-2).
Directed by Diana Corliss and accompanied on organ by Zachary Stoughton, this challenging performance was hailed by one audience member as “sublime,” adding, “The artistry that you… have blessed us with at St. Mark is truly extraordinary!” It also demonstrated what is possible for sacred music at the parish level today.
Truth & Beauty 
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