The Winnipeg Singers launch 2010 by presenting five exceptional works all linked by their common text, the Latin Mass. We begin with a masterpiece of the Elizabethan age, William Byrd's Mass for Five Voices, a vibrant but deeply expressive work absolutely at the heart of English polyphony. We move to France and Francis Poulenc's distinctive and virtuosic setting of the mass, his heartfelt response to the death of a dear friend. Then on to Canada and Winnipeg's own Andrew Balfour and his powerful and moving Missa brevis. Traveling to Argentina, we present Misa Criolla, Ariel Ramirez's famous work that combines the traditional mass with the dances and songs of Hispanic America. We return to England for Bob Chilcott's creative and engaging mass setting whose various movements embrace a variety of jazz styles. The Owen Clark Trio and guitarist Rodrigo Muñoz join Yuri Klaz and The Winnipeg Singers for a concert that crosses the globe. Knox Church's amazing acoustics will only enhance the Singers' soaring voices. A concert guaranteed to release you from winter's icy bonds.