Mass for Recovery: Phoenix Rising was written for and inspired by my mother, Marilyn Berry, as she recovered from neurosurgery. Initially left completely paralyzed and speechless, the movements of the Mass chronicle the various stages of her recovery beginning post surgery with her speechless awakening. Her daily struggles and triumphs are expressed through the words of the Mass and textures of the music as she searched to find a renewed sense of faith and understanding.

The final two movements, Benedictus (Angels & Prayers) and Agnus Dei (Going Home), each underwent significant transformations in both meaning and musical material as my mothers recovery continued with her coming to live at home in palliative care until she passed away on October 7th, 2016. Benedictus (Angels & Prayers) was originally conceived of as a point of reflection and reprieve as well as an affirmation of her faith. The “Hosanna” motive represented the many angels who came into my mother’s life, gave her bubble baths, sang to her, and prayed with her. Originally composed while my mother was still in the hospital, over time this movement came to represent the period of several months that she spent at home. The angels remained ever-present but the original ‘point of reflection and reprieve’ morphed into a period of peace and comfort for which I will forever be thankful.

Berry - Mass For Recovery - V. Benedictus  (Angels   Prayers)

Trying to capture the strange way that time feels like it is passing today.

Quarentine Days

Days Go By

Winter is coming on in the northern hemisphere.
The No Normal, Episode Two is here, with lots of conversation and new music. We have new releases by The Giovanni, bracing/ light pirate and Diana Tayler from our Edmonton Arts Council-sponsored New Music for the No Normal Project. Also - don’t miss our first NME Commissions Redux, as we listen to The Break, composed by Jane Berry for UltraViolet in 2019. This episode includes those works, and interviews with each of the artists by Ian Crutchley and our new interview team members, Caitlin Sian Richard and Ainsley Hillyard.
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Thank you to our generous sponsors and funders who make our programming possible: Edmonton Arts Council, SOCAN Foundation, Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC), Canada Council for the Arts, Alberta Foundation for the Arts, City of Edmonton, Canadian Heritage, Business / Arts, CJSR 88.5 FM.

This season, we are commissioning art that reflects the issues of our time, and are delivering free digital programming to ensure access for everyone. You can help us out by donating the price of a concert ticket, a festival pass, or a season pass. You can donate through Canada Helps (https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/49029) or find more information on our website.

Berry - Mass For Recovery - V. Benedictus (Angels Prayers)

Jane Berry

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