Audio recording from Wilson Somers’ original 2012 performance of Requiem for 9/11 that includes an opening passage and a still video of the written score.
‘The Commission’ is at the heart of the large-scale composition "Mass for the Homeless" by Joan and Wilson Somers.
The text comes from Holy Scripture in the Gospel of St. Matthew, Chapter 25, verses 31-40. The message is simple: Humankind is called to be God’s hands and feet in the world. This call to service is seminal for the Christian walk.
In this performance, Mezzo-Soprano Charlotte Paulsen is accompanied by Sue Lerner, Violoncello, as well as the composer at the piano. This was part of the Sunday worship service at Episcopal Church of the Advent in Kennett Square, PA on August 19, 2018
From the composer: ""The Commission" is the heart of 'Mass for the Homeless' a work that captures the message of our need as a humanity to reach out and really give those people on the margin a chance, a hope for a future. Jesus said 'In as much as you do this unto the least of them...you do this for me'. The proposition is simple...if you want you life to be blessed then reach out to one less fortunate than yourself and. your life will be blessed. Life is short, my friends. Take heed and do this today...not tomorrow. The premiere of 'Mass for the Homeless' was in 1997 with the Delaware Symphony Orchestra and at the largess of then conductor Stephen Gunzenhauser...I was honored to conduct the work. That night it raised 40K for homeless ministry in Northern Delaware. Image what it could do if it was performed throughout the country."
Wilson Somers
"Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's Mesiah, performed in December 2017 at Episcopal Church of the Advent, as part of a Christmas concert, held at the Kennett Square, PA church. Strings, trumpet, pipe organ and chorus, under the direction of Wilson Gault Somers.
"Sanctus," a selection from Gabriel Faure's "Requiem Op. 48," features the combined choirs of the Episcopal Church of the Advent and the Tatnall School, under the direction of conductor Jack Briggs. Recorded at Church of the Advent in Kennett Square, PA.
This composition is 'Pie Jesu', an arrangement of the soprano solo in 'Requiem for 9/11' for SATB Choir, Violin, Cello and Piano.This performance was part of the St Helena Palm Sunday Musical Reflection by the St. Helena's Church Choir, Joe Louden, Director on March 25, 2018 in Wilmington, Delaware. It is dedicated to my Goddaughter Christina Lee Menke (1996-2015). My thanks to Joe Louden who recommended I arrange the work for SATB Choir. Wilson Somers, composer.
This selection was part of a Christmas music presentation by the Episcopal Church of the Advent choir and guests, along with a string quartet, all under the direction of Wilson Somers. Located in Kennett Square, PA.
From Jack Briggs: "From the opening phrase of the strings/organ to the opening phrases of the choir, section by section, this is an amazing performance by this ensemble. I was delighted to hear the manner that "us" was performed, the directions given each of the choral lines, and, in particular, the articulation of the sixteenth-note quadruplets by the chorus. The baroque technique of the strings and organ was noticeable quite often. It was equally pleasant to hear an ensemble reacting to one another as musicians in an ensemble. As for the conductor, I have said before that we need to hear more from Maestro Wilson Gault Somers. Bravo to all choral artists, instrumentalists, and their fine conductor."
