PAST EVENT: This was part of the EAF25 programme.

As landmark performance in EAF25’s opening weekend, Fruitmarket and EAF co-presented the UK premiere of Voiceless Mass: a Pulitzer Prize-winning composition by Diné/Navajo artist and composer Raven Chacon, performed by Scottish Ensemble.

Composed for organ and a large ensemble of flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, percussion, strings and electronics, the piece explored the deliberate silencing of voices within colonial and institutional frameworks. The performance highlights the complicity of the Catholic Church in the suppression of Indigenous voices, abduction and abuse of Indigenous children in residential schools in the Americas.

Introducing the performance, Raven Chacon was joined by vocalist and composer Elaine Mitchener for an in conversation.

This performance was presented ahead of the 2025 edition of Deep Time, Fruitmarket’s annual festival of new music, curated by Raven Chacon. Titled I See Red, Chacon’s curated edition from Deep Time runs from 27—29 November 2025.

Composer: Raven Chacon
In-conversation Chair: Elaine Mitchener
Performed: Scottish Ensemble

Conductor: Peggy Wu
Organ: Jack Oades
Violin 1: Daniel Pioro
Violin 2: Liza Johnson
Viola: Jane Atkins
Cello: Alison Lawrance
Double Bass: Daniel Griffin
Flute: Brontë Hudnott
Clarinet: Yann Ghiro
Bass Clarinet: Jenny Stephenson
Percussion: Tom Hunter, Alasdair Kelly
Sine Tones: Louis McHugh

Presented with Fruitmarket, in collaboration with St Giles Cathedral, and performed and supported by Scottish Ensemble. Commissioned by WI Conference of the United Church of Christ, Plymouth Church UCC, and Present Music.