Dona nobis pickin'

by Steve Staruch, Minnesota Public Radio

Minneapolis, Minn. — This week the Twin Cities choral group VocalEssence is introducing what is likely the first mass written for classical chorus and bluegrass band. "The World Beloved" by composer Carol Barnett and librettist Marisha Chamberlain receives its premiere in performances Friday and Saturday by the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and the bluegrass-gospel group Monroe Crossing.

In a conversation with Minnesota Public Radio's Steve Staruch, Barnett discusses the challenges of blending the liturgy of Roman Catholic mass with bluegrass music to create a single, cohesive work.