SVOTS presents “Tenebrae: Music of Holy Week from East and West” April 5

Tenebrae
Metropolitan Tikhon welcomes guests at February performance of “Tenebrae” at DC’s St. Nicholas Cathedral.
Photo credit: Victor Lutes

The Saint Vladimir’s Seminary Chorale will present a concert titled “Tenebrae: Music of Holy Week from East and West” at New York City’s Saint John Nepomucene Church at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2019.

Initially performed before a sold-out audience at the Orthodox Church in America’s Saint Nicholas Cathedral, Washington, DC in February, at which His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon introduced the program, the concert takes its name from a candlelit Holy Week service from the Western Christian tradition (tenebrae means “darkness” in Latin). The evening’s program will immerse listeners in the solemn lenten journey to the cross and the empty tomb.

Directing the Chorale will be Robin Freeman, SVOTS Director of Music.  Her ensembles have been noted for their “superb blend,” “crispness,” and “beautifully sensitive phrasing.”  She is passionate about choral music’s ability to empower and connect people. Her original concert programs have highlighted themes such as the role of silence and contemplation in music and the intersection of visual image, spoken word, and melody.

The concert is a fundraiser that helps SVOTS educate and form the future leaders of the Orthodox Church. There is no admission fee to attend the event, but advanced tickets are required.  A reception will follow for the first 100 people to RSVP with a donation. Donations made before the concert, by April 1, of over $100 will be listed in the event program.