“Mass seeks to put spirituality back on the table while surrounding it with experiences of carnival, Mardi Gras, street protest, Pride marches, festivals, the club scene. One minute you’re listening to dance beats, the next you’re drowning in the Sanctus.

“I would argue that almost everyone who grew up here has done so with some kind of religious doctrine in their blood. I had a traditional Catholic upbringing and there are themes in the Mass that I still cling to. Your beliefs may change as you get older but there is still a sense of community that lingers, the act of coming together in praise and celebration.

That and the central themes of resurrection and rebirth are crucial in the lives of gay and trans people.

As a gay man, finding myself and being reborn as an authentic ‘me’ has always been held in a state of balance between the deep faith background of my childhood and wider society, things that I reacted against, then embraced, then challenged, then accepted. All those things are present here in this music.”

CONOR MITCHELL
[COMPOSER / ARTISTIC DIRECTOR]