Artefact Ensemble to perform at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Artefact Ensemble is pleased to announce its New York debut on October 31 and November 1 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Artefact Ensemble and artistic director Benedict Sheehan will join the GRAMMY® Award-winning Experiential Orchestra and conductor James Blachly in “Celebrating Arvo Pärt at the Met”, a program of masterpieces from the revered Estonian composer’s seven-decade career.
The program will include the world premiere of Pärt’s O Holy Father Nicholas (2021), performed by Artefact Ensemble under the direction of Benedict Sheehan. Co-commissioned by Nektarios S. Antoniou and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the new a cappella choral work commemorates the re-dedication of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine which was destroyed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
Other highlights of the program featuring Artefact Ensemble include performances of The Deer’s Cry, Salve Regina, Da Pacem Domine, and Vater Unser, with Eric S. Brenner, countertenor.
Benedict Sheehan is Director of Music at Saint Tikhon’s Seminary and Monastery in South Canaan, PA, and artistic director of the Saint Tikhon Choir. He has been called “a remarkable musician… one of the most important voices in American Orthodox choral music” (Choral Journal) and his work has received widespread acclaim, including a GRAMMY® Nomination for “Best Choral Performance.”
Artefact Ensemble is a new collaborative project from Benedict Sheehan and Stephen Jacobs, Music Director of Saint Michael Orthodox Church in Louisville, KY. Bringing together leading vocal artists from around the country, Artefact Ensemble combines world-class choral performances with curated, designed environments to create one-of-a-kind immersive concert experiences.
Partnering with schools, community organizations, and religious institutions, Artefact Ensemble also offers workshops, masterclasses, and co-operative music-making experiences free of charge to students, teachers of music, music ministers, and underprivileged audiences who might not otherwise have access to high-level ensemble music. Learn more at artefactensemble.org.