Composed by Guitarist Sam Guarnaccia, with Lyrics by Philip Newell, this beautiful CD was inspired by the haunting spirit of the Celtic world. Purchase your copy by visiting CD baby at the following link:

A Celtic Mass for Peace
Songs for the Earth

CD Price: $20.00
MP3 Price: $--.--

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 3, 2009

Local Contact:  Sam Guarnaccia   Phone: 802.734.1356

Celtic Mass for Peace CD launch May 8th in Shelburne, Vermont
The first in the 'Music 101 Series' at All Souls Interfaith Gathering

Sam Guarnaccia, native Vermonter, UVM faculty and Classical Guitarist, and J. Philip Newell, author and lyricist, announced a Friday May 8th public launch and fundraiser for their timely and inspiring creation, the Celtic Mass for Peace, at a celebratory gathering at All Souls Interfaith Gathering (ASIG), in Shelburne, Vermont at 6:30-9:00 p.m. 6:30-7:30 reception 7:30-8:30 presentation. Call ASIG at 985-3819 for seating reservation.

The extraordinarily beautiful and acoustically vital facilities of the All Souls Interfaith Gathering's Sanctuary were the perfect place for recording A Celtic Mass for Peace, Songs for the Earth.  With sweeping views of the constantly changing moods of Lake Champlain against a backdrop of receding layers and folding shapes of the Adirondacks, the landscape where both words and music were written, there was a sense of completion and homecoming.  It is an earth sanctuary that deeply echoes the mystical landscapes of Scotland and Ireland.  For more information www.allsoulsinterfaith.org.

Elisabeth von Trapp, a singer on the celebrated CD attended a private launch, where Emily Day, also a singer, shared, "It was breathtaking. Even without the voices, Sam conveys the message. Sam's lyric interpretation in the melody line was superb and the complexity in music instrumentation was excellent. I really appreciate when a composer has the gift of making the instruments sing the music."

The Celtic Mass for Peace was penned in Vermont by J. Philip Newell, on the banks of Lake Champlain. Sam Guarnaccia was then inspired to compose the music, and after hearing it, Vermont Artist Cami Davis said, "There is so much grace in this piece. It touched me to my core. It is a profound example of how the arts can be an opening to inner dimensions of wholeness." Sam and Philip will join in a premier performance of the complete work at Westminster Presbyterian, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, May 21, 2009.

Following a private sharing of the newly released CD, Barry Dunsmore, retired ABC Foreign Correspondent commented, "As someone with more than a smattering of Celtic blood, I was moved almost beyond words. It was truly awesome." In the words of Vin Pelletier, a singer, "It took a week to record. The result - 45 minutes of pure heaven. It is as close to perfect as it gets for something so complex."

September 21st is the International Day of Peace, and there are those in Vermont who look forward to hearing the Celtic Mass for Peace in places of worship throughout the state. Plans are also underway to offer the CD through an international network in September. Pastor Nancy Wright of Ascension Lutheran Church said, "I was very moved and it took me to a place of deep peace and hope and humility and a sense that I want everybody to hear and experience it for themselves."

The full story is told on the website www.samguarnaccia.com where you can also purchase the CD and contact Sam to arrange for a speaker or musical event.

Listen Now!

Click the link to listen to samples from A Celtic Mass for Peace, Songs for the Earth. Listen Now! »

What people are saying

1. "The highlight of the experience for me was the 'Celtic Mass for Peace.'"
   
   "The hauntingly-beautiful music was somehow both ethereal and earthly at the same time."
   
   "If ever the world needed to hear the message of peace, it is now, and your compelling composition proclaims that message in profound ways."
   
   Paul Eyer
   Pastor, St. Luke's
   Lancaster, PA  17603