Peterson: Högalidsmässan - The Holy Mass

The "Högalidsmässan" is a commissioned work by the Swedish parish of Högalid for the 100th anniversary and reopening of Högalid Church, composed by Matthew Peterson. The composition adopts the traditional musical and textual structure of the Christian Mass and presents it in Swedish. The six movements – Kyrie, Gloria and Laudamus, Credo, Sanctus, Agnus Dei and Benedicamus – unite tradition and the present in a contemporary liturgical form of expression. Each movement is connected to objects, spaces, and symbols within Högalid Church, whose rich imagery draws on biblical narratives, church history, religious history, and contemporary culture. The text and music explore the complexity of creation and human existence, expressing both praise and fear, God's call, and the hope for a God who accompanies us through life. The text is by Gunilla Lindén, who served as the parish vicar of Högalid from 2018 to 2025.