Robert Gass

Holding a doctorate in clinical psychology from Harvard, Gass is recognized nationwide as a lecturer while also having pursued classical music studies at the New England Conservatory and Tanglewood. Leading the thirty-member ensemble On Wings of Song, he has issued multiple releases in his Extended Chant series that present elevated, contemporary adaptations of sacred choral practices drawn from global traditions. Although numerous pieces draw directly from authentic spiritual texts and melodies, his chief aim centers on rendering the music soothing and approachable for present-day audiences. Those who favor unadulterated forms of Middle Eastern chanting, American Indian music, and medieval plain-chant singing may therefore regard his versions as overly saccharine and Westernized. ~ Linda Kohanov