The Vocal Arts Ensemble of Durham presents “What the Earth Says” our annual summer concert

Entitled “What the Earth Says,” the concert features a recent work that celebrates the wondrous beauty of the created world–and laments the possibility of losing these natural gifts. Composer Alex Berko has set words by poet Wendell Berry, naturalist John Muir, and others, for choir, solo violin, and solo cello. A second extended work from 100 years earlier, the Mass for 2 choirs by Swiss composer Frank Martin will also be sung by the group’s 32 singers. The sounds heard in this Mass suggest the influence of both Bach and Renaissance composers. Also performed in the concert will be the world premiere of a work by Mark Kilstofte, with haunting words by Rilke, as well as Jake Runestad’s “The peace of wild things,” with naturalistic poetry by Wendell Berry.