Rutgers University Kirkpatrick Choir

Love and Joy

Misa Criolla by Ariel Ramirez
With Inkarayku accompanying on traditional Andean winds, strings, and percussion

Mass: A Celebration of Love and Joy by André Thomas

The Rutgers University Kirkpatrick Choir will present two masterpieces showcasing the versatility of our Mason Gross flagship choral ensemble and the diversity of the choral repertoire.

Argentinian composer Ariel Ramirez’s Misa Criolla has gained an important place in the choral repertoire since its premiere in 1963. Each movement of the mass, set in Spanish, is constructed using traditional Andean folk material with great focus on dance rhythms: the carnavalito in the Gloria, the Central Argentinian chacarera trunca for the Credo, and a lively canraval cochabambino in the Sanctus. Lively sounds of the wooden flutes—the quena and the zamponya, the exciting string sound of the charango, and the propulsive rhythmic accompaniment of the bombo wrap the mass in the joyous traditions of Argentinian folklore. Guest artists Inkarayku will present a set of South American music to turn our ears and spirits to new rhythms and melodies!

Choral icon André J. Thomas premiered his exuberant Mass: A Celebration of Love and Joy in 2019, and it has since brought joy to uproarious audiences and singers of all ages. While Thomas credits Robert Ray’s Gospel Mass (1978) with inspiring his own, the Thomas Mass features the intimate extended harmonies of contemporary gospel styles, along with spirituals, jazz, and other chromatic soundscapes—as well as virtuosic notated and improvised solos. Thomas says that his Mass “signifies everything he’s been about his whole teaching career: embracing a bunch of people in as many ways as possible.”

About Inkarayku

INKARAYKU is a Quechua word that means “because of the Incas.” Led by founder Andres Jimenez, the group seeks to link the past, present, and future of Andean arts through the performance of indigenous music forms that have evolved into the contemporary mestizo music heard today. Inkarayku’s sound blends the organic power of Quechua folk songs with the energy and edge unique to our “city that never sleeps.” The band’s diverse lineup brings together a river of musical and artistic experience resulting in Andean folk music that transcends cultural boundaries and seamlessly shares the stage with other folk traditions of the Americas.

Founded in 2010, INKARAYKU developed out of Jimenez’s former group INKA KUSI SONQO. The ensemble has grown to include a full lineup of Andean flutes, strings, percussion, and vocals. INKARAYKU has performed at venues including New York University, Cornell University, Brooklyn Public Library System, Queens Library System, Hoboken Public Library, Pachamama Peruvian Arts, Festival Andino, Leftfield Bar and Grill, Lucky Jacks NYC, and the Nyack Village.

Public $15 // Rutgers Alumni/Employees & Seniors $10 // Students $5