Outburst Arts and the Belfast ensemble in partnership with the Ulster Orchestra will present the world premiere of “MASS,” a work by Northern Irish composer Conor Mitchell, which combines elements of the profane, the sacred, and queer ceremony. Mitchell is scheduled to conduct.

“MASS” has been selected to headline this year’s Outburst Queer Art Festival. Performances of the work are set for Nov. 17 and 18, 2021 at The Telegraph Building in Belfast, with Mitchell scheduled to conduct the Ulster Orchestra.

Part classical oratorio and part rave, Mitchell’s work takes the Christian tradition and reimagines it to create a space of connection and celebration in which all are welcome.

Audiences will be able to walk around the performance space to view the orchestra and six films that visually respond to the mass’ movements through different queer lenses from around the world.

Featured vocalists include soprano Giselle Allen, mezzo-soprano Sarah Richmond, baritone Christopher Cull, and tenor John Porter.

Filmmakers include Madonna Adib (Syria), Paulo Mendel and Vi Grunvald (Brazil), Mariah Garnett (USA), Simone Harris (Jamaica), Mohammad Shawky Hassan (Egypt), and Debalina Majumder (India).