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Program - Please note, this program is subject to change. Final program will be available by the day of the performance. 

Livestream link below. 

This event is free and open to the public with general seating. 

Two Mass Settings by Sungji Hong, Performed by Trio Mediæval

March 4th, 2025, at 8:00 pm | Paul Voertman Concert Hall, Music Building

Program Notes

Historically, women have had limited representation in major musical works within sacred music traditions, particularly in liturgical settings. The majority of Mass settings were composed for mixed or male-only voices, and, particularly before the 20th century, the female parts were often sung by boys rather than women. While Mass settings for female voices do exist, they remain rare. Sungji Hong, a Composition Professor at the University of North Texas, aims to contribute to the sacred music repertoire of music for female voices.

This recital presents two Mass settings by Hong, both dedicated to the Grammy-nominated vocal ensemble Trio Mediæval. The evening includes the premiere of her latest composition, Missa Ichthys (2024), alongside her earlier work, Missa Lumen de Lumine (2002). Trio Mediæval premiered Missa Lumen de Lumine, which was later released on the ECM New Series (ECM 1929) to critical acclaim, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Classical Chart and iTunes Classics.

The premiere of Missa Ichthys marks the culmination of Hong’s six-week residency at Civitella Ranieri, a 15th-century castle in Italy. Both Mass settings reflect her dedication to exploring the full range of vocal textures and tessituras, while drawing on her own personal and spiritual experiences as key sources of inspiration for the composition of these works. Hong invites listeners to reflect on the interplay of history, spirituality, and innovation, providing a profound musical journey that bridges the ancient and the contemporary.

This recital is made possible by the generous support of the Scholarly and Creative Activity Award (SCA) and the Global Venture Fund (GVF) from the University of North Texas.

TRIO MEDIÆVAL

Anna Maria Friman

Linn Andrea Fuglseth

Jorunn Lovise Husan

Trio Mediæval, with impeccable technique and emotive connections to both ancient and modern works, has been at the forefront of early and contemporary vocal music for over two decades. This remarkable versatility has allowed them to embrace a broad spectrum of musical styles and traditions, which is reflected in the trio's dynamic approach to performance.

Hailed as a “fascinating journey with music of timeless beauty”, Trio Mediæval’s highly acclaimed first disc “Words of the Angel” (2001) launched the group into the elite circles of early music ensembles and introduced them to a broad international audience. A typical Trio Mediæval programme combines their many varied strands of musical exploration: historically informed performance of medieval sacred music, folk music (adapted and arranged by members of the group); contemporary Nordic jazz; specially commissioned works; improvisation with or without instruments. Attracted by the Grammy nominated trio’s unique sound, composers and performers have stood in line to work with the group, resulting in commissions and premieres of works by Helena Tulve, Tõnu Kõrvits, Anders Jormin, Tord Gustavsen, Mats Eilertsen, Trygve Seim, Anna Clyne, Gavin Bryars, Ivan Moody, Sungji Hong and Andrew Smith, among many others. A 2005 collaboration with the Ensemble Musikfabrik in Cologne featured the work Shelter by Julia Wolfe, Michael Gordon and David Lang of the New York-based Bang on a Can composers’ collective. More recently the trio has collaborated with musicians and orchestras such as Arve Henriksen, John Potter, Sinikka Langeland Ensemble, Mats Eilertsen Trio, Bang on a Can All-Stars, the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra, Norwegian Radio Orchestra, Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra and Stavanger Symphony Orchestra. (https://www.triomediaeval.no/)