Jazz in the Cathedral — PRAYER WHEEL at St. Stephen’s Cathedral

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Experience the mesmerizing jazz mass PRAYER WHEEL by Karén Asatrián at Vienna's renowned St. Stephen’s Cathedral, brought to life by an exceptional double choir.

On Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, the Philharmonia Chor Wien and the advanced choir from the Mozart Music High School/Musical High School Salzburg, accompanied by a jazz ensemble, will deliver a powerful message advocating for peace, humanity, and interfaith communication.

The mass merges elements of early Christian liturgy (Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Agnus Dei) with Western musical influences, Eastern tonalities, and improvisational jazz. Through mantra‐like repetitions and Latin, it alludes to Buddhist prayer wheels, inspiring its title. The musical journey transitions from G minor to a celebratory D major.

PRAYER WHEEL, crafted for choir and jazz quartet, stands as a remarkable composition. It seamlessly fuses Eastern and Western melodies, evoking an array of emotions: evocative, meditative, wistful, radiant, solemn, and rhythmically invigorating. Since debuting at the Konzerthaus Klagenfurt in 2015 and featuring in the 2016 Salzburg Festival, PRAYER WHEEL has earned its place as a pivotal piece in contemporary sacred music. The 2026 performance holds particular cultural and social significance due to its timing, venue, and extensive ensemble.

The grand concert at St. Stephen’s Cathedral marks the culmination of the Armenian festival SOUNDS OF ARMENIA. This event, held over three nights at the Porgy & Bess jazz club, weaves literature and music into a compelling dialogue, celebrating Armenia’s rich cultural legacy and the resilient spirit of its people.