MASS is an internationally renowned performance group that combines the creative forces of artists, musicians, composers and choreographers. Through an exciting blend of sculpture, music, dance and the visual arts, MASS continues to delight audiences throughout the U.S. and abroad. MASS Ensemble is known for large-scale instruments and kinetic performances. The Earth Harp, "The World's Largest Stringed Instrument" and other invented instruments are unique to MASS, as they were designed and created by Artistic Director, William Close. The giant sculptural instruments provide a landscape in which the artists perform.
The long stringed instruments are played in a unique and imaginative manner. The performers wear gloves with rosin on the fingertips and the strings are stroked rather then plucked or bowed. The sound quality of the instruments is astounding, and just one instrument is akin to a whole symphonic string section.
