The Michael O’Neal Singers Present “Ascending Into Light: A Journey of Transcendence”
May 3 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
$25.00
“Ascending into Light: A Journey of Transcendence,” a performance that challenges the boundary between traditional choral ritual and modern cinematic soundscapes. Featuring the works of Ola Gjeilo and Elaine Hagenberg, the program offers a visceral exploration of the transition from shadow to clarity.
The afternoon centers on two of the most influential voices in contemporary choral music. Ola Gjeilo’s Sunrise Mass—often described as a “symphonic mass”—breaks away from traditional liturgical expectations. Instead of a rigid religious structure, Gjeilo uses lush, expansive string textures to create a “celestial ascent,” moving from a transparent, nebulous beginning toward a grounded, human conclusion.
Complementing this is Elaine Hagenberg’s Illuminare. A five-movement work of profound emotional grit, Illuminare uses a wide range of texts to navigate the confusion and darkness of the human condition. Hagenberg’s signature melodic clarity serves as a compass, leading the ensemble and the audience toward a radiant, restorative peace.
Reclaiming the Live Experience
In a landscape increasingly defined by digital convenience, the MOS Chorus and Orchestra is prioritizing the physical “presence” of sound. By utilizing the specific acoustic properties of Roswell United Methodist Church, the ensemble aims to create a shared, communal meditation. The performance emphasizes the resonance that can only be achieved in a live setting—the vibration of the strings, the unforced power of dozens of voices in unison, and the profound silence that follows a final chord.
“This is not a passive recital,” according to Artistic Director, Michael O’Neal. “It is a deliberate narrative arc designed to be felt as much as heard. We are inviting the Atlanta community to step out of the frantic pace of daily life and engage with the beauty of transcendence in real-time.”
Admission and Event Details
Continuing their commitment to community accessibility for the 2025/26 season, the Michael O’Neal Singers have removed all ticket fees for this production.
WHAT: Ascending into Light: A Journey of Transcendence
WHEN: Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 3:00 PM
WHERE: Roswell United Methodist Church, 814 Mimosa Blvd, Roswell, GA 30075
TICKETS: Free of fees; available at mosingers.com
