The Archdiocesan Choir of Washington, D.C. gave its premiere concert on Sunday, August 28 at Saint Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral. The group was formed earlier this year with the blessing and support of His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon. Led by Juliana Woodill, the choir sang works from Great Vespers and Divine Liturgy written entirely by American Orthodox composers for the English language. This project began with a call for compositions in February and over one hundred pieces were received for consideration. In selecting music, singability for the average church choir was of primary importance, keeping in mind the need for simplicity, beauty, and flexible voicings. Secondarily, the hope was to share music that is both uniquely American and liturgically appropriate.
Photo credit: Victor Lutes
