Dear friends and fellow music enthusiasts,
As I sit down to write this, my heart is filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness. I'm about to share something deeply personal and, frankly, quite titanic that I've embarked on. It's more than a project; it's a journey, one that I hope will leave a lasting mark on the choral repertoire and, more importantly, on the hearts of those it touches.
You see, I've decided to write a Mass, but not just any Mass. This will be a Mass written in a consortium format, a concept that might be familiar to some but groundbreaking in its execution. The idea struck me like a thunderbolt: what if each movement of the Mass was a consortium in itself? This way, the work would unfold one movement per year, culminating in 2030 when the entire composition is revealed.
Next week marks a significant milestone in this journey. I will travel to Jacksonville to witness the premiere of the Kyrie, the first movement, in its full orchestral glory. I anticipate this moment with bated breath, as it represents the first step in a decade-long endeavor.
But here’s where it gets even more interesting: as soon as the Kyrie's last note resonates through the concert hall, the consortium for the Gloria will commence. There is room for eight choirs in this next phase, and registration is open to all who wish to be part of this historic endeavor. The first eight ensembles to sign up will join us in this movement, with any additional groups being noted for the Credo in 2026.
This is where I extend my invitation to you. How would this endeavor resonate with your choir? Imagine performing the first two movements in a concert dedicated to unity and collaboration – isn't that, after all, the essence of what music and particularly choral singing is all about?
I am reaching out not just for participants but for partners in this grand vision. This is not just my project; it is ours. It represents a union of voices, spirits, and communities. This Mass, seven years in the making, is set to be the most significant work of my career, not for its length or complexity, but for the message of unity and hope it aims to spread.
I invite you to join me in this journey. Let's start a conversation about how we can bring this vision to life together. Whether you lead a university choir, a community ensemble, or a professional group, there is a place for you in this undertaking.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts and hopefully welcoming you into this ambitious project. Together, we can make history, one note at a time.
Warmly,
Santiago Veros
