Here is a review of A Mass For Peace in the Third Millennium, that was performed on September 12, 2004 in Berkeley, California.  The review is taken from:  The CATHOLIC VOICE ONLINE, OCTOBER 4, 2004 issue.

Extraordinary Mass for Peace

An extraordinary, heart-filled music event took place on Sept. 12 at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Berkeley. Six hundred people attended a Concert for Peace that celebrated the parish's 125th anniversary and also served to honor the late Father Bill O'Donnell, peace and justice advocate. Included in the concert were works for both solo piano and chamber orchestra, and then after intermission the 90-voice "Chorus for Peace" and orchestra shocked the audience with the premier performance of composer John Vitz' "Mass for Peace."

The Mass is a compilation of many Latin texts of the Ordinary of the Mass, including the opening greeting "Pax Vobiscum," the "Orate, Frates" and the most solemn and triumphant harmonies set to the actual words of consecration.

From the very first moment the haunting melodies, interweaving chords and unique dissonance called the audience into rapt attention. There was an awesome spiritual presence in the church as the listeners were stunned by the sounds of grand chorus and orchestra, side by side with musical surprises such as the addition of bells, guitar and synthesizer.

In this beautiful work, composer John Vitz shared his deep spirituality and his mission to share the solemnity of the sacred music within the realm of both traditional harmony and contemporary musical style.

One immediately sensed the composer's understanding of the sacred in liturgy - from the majesty of the "Gloria" to the imploring strains of the "Pater Noster." Then in the final movement of this one-hour long work, the chorus and orchestra challenged the audience with the compelling urgency of the Gospel message, that we "… go out and tell the Good News."

Audience attendees were immediately on their feet with an ovation that reflected a sense of awe and privilege, experiencing sacred music that, in the words of many present, touched their hearts with renewed spiritual meaning.

Our gratitude to John Vitz and to the chorus and orchestra for the sharing of this beautiful musical prayer.

Kathleen Flemming
Walnut Creek
(Kathleen Flemming is choral director at St. Stephen Parish in Walnut Creek.)

The CATHOLIC VOICE is the official newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Oakland, California encompassing all of Alameda & Contra Costa counties.