Creatures of all kinds in Missa Gaia in Whitby

WHITBY -- Whales and wolves are sharing the stage with the Durham Philharmonic Choir at its final concert of the season.

Not real ones, of course, but the choir is performing Paul Winter's Missa Gaia (Earth Mass) on May 30 and the piece, an ecumenical celebration of the earth, uses recorded vocalizations of wolves, whales and harp seals. Missa Gaia features musical influences from around the world, including American, African and Brazilian flavours.

Apart from the animals that will be there in spirit, the choir welcomes guest instrumentalists including Alex Dean, regarded as one of Canada's best jazz saxophonists.

The program also features the Durham Youth Orchestra's Heartstrings Quartet performing Vivaldi's Spring Concerto.

As well, look for the displays by the Matsuyama Bonsai Society.

The concert is at 7:30 p.m. at Hebron Christian Reformed Church, 4240 Anderson St., Whitby.

Tickets are $25, available at the door or in advance from Wilson and Lee Music Store, 87 Simcoe St. N., Oshawa; Lafontaine Fashions at Brock and Dundas streets in Whitby; the Information United Way Kiosk in the Oshawa Centre; and Cathy's Gold at 78 King St. W. in Bowmanville.

For more information call 905-728-1739 or visit www.durhamphilharmonic.ca.