Director Ryan Ellis and 20 singers from the Bermuda School of Music's Bermuda Chamber Choir and the Bermuda Treble Choir, had the experience of a lifetime when they witnessed an eye-popping parade of exotic animals during the annual celebration of the Feast of St. Francis at the landmark Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City.

The singers, including Mr. Ellis, had been invited to join young choristers, musicians, dancers, from various US states, and Anglican church dignitaries in full regalia, in the annual performance of US composer Paul Winter's 'Missa Gaia' or Earth Mass, and the attendant parade and blessing of animals last weekend.

As always, the pews were packed with animal lovers and their pets. The cathedral has hosted the animal blessing for the past 25 years, and New Yorkers stand in line with their pets from early in the morning hoping to buy a ticket to the unusual service, which mixes modern, classic, jazz, African and New Age music with dance and incense.

Referring to this Sunday's performance of 'Missa Gaia' and blessing of animals at the Anglican Cathedral on Church Street, Ryan Ellis, director of the Bermuda School of Music's Bermuda Chamber Choir and Treble choirs, said that while the parade of local animals would not be so exotic, given that all owners were invited to bring their beloved pets along to the event, there could be some surprises.

Recalling the recent New York performance, Mr. Ellis said that for him "the quirkiest sight was a parrot with the 'I Love NYC' button. The most amazing was the African dance routine, and the most touching was the Cathedral's welcome and acknowledgement of Bermuda singers".

For John Barnett, chairman and CEO of Life and Annuity Services Ltd., the highlight of his New York choir experience was watching Roger Oldfield, a guest from Bermuda "almost being gored by a reindeer".

For Claire Russell, the overall experience was unforgettable. "Musically, it was a rare and treasured experience to sing the 'Missa Gaia' with such a large choir in the presence of the composer, Paul Winter, who conducted The Paul Winter Consort," she said.