University of Wisconsin-Superior graduate David Packa, Class of 2016, will present “Serenity Mass: Be Still and Know,” on Saturday, February 15, at 7 p.m. at Cathedral of Christ the King as part of the Sanctus Music Series. There is no admission fee, but freewill offerings will be accepted to support the concert series

The 45-minute, multi-movement work for a chamber ensemble, composed and directed by Packa, will feature several UW-Superior alumni, faculty and staff.

“All the musicians are fantastic, and it’s been an honor and privilege working with everyone,” said Packa, who earned a Bachelor of Music Degree in music performance (piano) from UW-Superior. “They have been very generous with their time, talent and energy. I’m extremely grateful. It’s a bonus that this performance has brought together many members of the UWS music family.”

The concert will mark the culmination of months of composing for Packa.

“The entire process has taken just over five months,” he said. “I started actively composing “Serenity Mass” in September. I work a day job during the week, so this generally meant long hours on weekends. The ideas and inspiration for each movement came at different times and in different orders, so it was not a linear process. The first movement I composed became movement 6 (of 7), but I mostly worked on several movements at a time, which allowed me to change creative gears if I got stuck on one piece.”

The task also included creating five specific movements to be considered a traditional Mass and working with original Latin texts. 

“Some of the movements flowed easily, some required more time and care,” said Packa. “Each one took on its own style and character based on the textual content, and I found the process incredibly exciting and rewarding.”

While Packa notes that “Serenity Mass” is a religious work, he explains that it’s for anyone to experience and enjoy.

“Life is a challenge and can prove to be very dark at times; I composed Serenity Mass to serve as a small window of beauty and peace in a tumultuous world,” said Packa. 

The performance will include UW-Superior alumni Olivia Brookmole, Aaron Wainman, Zoë Scherer, Rebecca Farmer and RaeAnn Johnson; Brett Jones, DMA, professor of percussion at UW-Superior; and area musicians Emily Valine, Lucie Han, Scott Beeman and Timothy Churchill.

“I think the audience will enjoy the journey of the entire piece,” said Packa. “Each movement tells a different kind of story and builds upon what came before. The “Kyrie” is a pleading and urgent prayer, the “Gloria” an energetic and playful dance. The “Credo” is a dramatic and firm declaration of faith, the “Santus” a mysterious and ethereal reflection on God’s holiness. They are all unique, but they weave together into a beautiful mosaic: multiple pieces and colors combining to create something greater than each individual part.”

Cathedral of Christ the King is located at 1111 Belknap St., in Superior.