Media Contact: Gayle Williams, 941.587.9217
[email protected]
www.MusicaSacraCantorum.org
“The Angels Rejoice,” December 8 Only, with Musica Sacra Cantorum
[Sarasota, FL—November14, 2014] It is likely that angels will rejoice at other times during the month of December, but Musica Sacra Cantorum, Sarasota’s only choral ensemble dedicated solely to the performance of sacred music of all traditions, is presenting “The Angels Rejoice” at 7:00 PM on Monday, December 8, 2014 at Church of the Redeemer (222 S. Palm Avenue, Sarasota.) Tickets, ranging from $20-$30, can be purchased online www.MusicaSacraCantorum.org or by calling 941.405.7322.
The Musica Sacra Cantorum Chorus, comprised of the professional vocal ensemble, Voices, singing with the best volunteer singers in the region, is known for its innovative Christmas programming. Staying within the sacred spirit of the Christmas season, “The Angels Rejoice” features some of the best choral music by the greatest masters. While time-tested, these works are not frequently heard because of the crowded field of pop-oriented seasonal favorites more commonly programmed on holiday concerts . Musica Sacra Cantorum celebrates the Christmas Season in four very traditional segments:
The Annunciation – Magnificat – D. Buxtehude
Advent – How Lovely are the Messengers – Mendelssohn, Virga Jesse – Bruckner, A Tender Shoot – O. Goldschmidt, and Ecce Concipies – J. Handl
The Nativity – Cantata BWV 57 – J. S. Bach
Epiphany – There Shall a Star from Jacob Shine Forth – Mendelssohn, Three Kings from Persian Lands Afar – Cornelius
For the past four seasons, audiences have responded to performances of Musica Sacra Cantorum with phrases like: “Superb choir”, “Great sound”, “Lovely execution”, “Exciting and uplifting”, “Simply lovely”, and “Inspiring.”
Now performing in the visually and acoustically inspiring sanctuary of Church of the Redeemer, concerts by Music Sacra Cantorum offer a sanctuary of their own. At 7 pm on a Monday evening, “The Angels Rejoice” offers a meditative musical experience set aside from the hustle and bustle of the average holiday season weekend.
Tickets for “The Angels Rejoice” range from $20 to $30. Season subscriptions are still are available. Both subscriptions and single tickets can be purchased at www.MusicaSacraCantorum.org. For information, please call 941.405.7322.
Musica Sacra Cantorum
Remaining 2014-15 Season
Monday, February 23, 2014 at 7 PM
The Crucifixion by John Stainer
Musica Sacra Cantorum Voices
Trinity United Methodist Church
3200 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton
Sir John Stainer’s legacy has been largely kept alive through his great Victorian oratorio The Crucifixion of which “God So Loved the World” is its centerpiece. Subtitled “A Meditation on the Sacred Passion of the Holy Redeemer” Stainer’s masterpiece was often compared in its importance to Handel’s Messiah during the latter part of the 19th and early decades of the 20th century. Its dramatic, meditative, and passionate choruses have made it one of the most performed works in Britain during the season of Lent.
Stainer composed this work with audience participation in mind and included several hymns for the audience to sing. This makes it unique in the realm of grand oratorios.
Monday. April 13, 2015 at 7 PM
Deux Requiems
Musica Sacra Cantorum Chorus
Church of the Redeemer – Episcopal
222 South Palm Avenue, Sarasota
un petit Requiem, Op. 48 by Gabriel Fauré
Tsunami Requiem by Chris Williams
There is no more beautifully meditative or calming musical setting of the Requiem Mass than that of Gabriel Fauré. Interestingly, Fauré appears to have written his Requiem for purely personal fulfillment, not as a memorial for a devastating event or tragic personal loss. Most often performed is the large scale orchestral version which was created by Fauré in 1899. However, that version is an elaboration on the original composition of 1887. In fact, his original was two movements shorter and incorporated a much smaller instrumental force. We will present Fauré’s original 1887 version, a composition which is simple, effective and hauntingly beautiful.
In contrast, Chris Williams recalls the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami that devastated Nagapattinam, a fishing village in Tamil Nadu, South India, leaving more than 230,000 people dead in its wake. Tsunami Requiem tells that story in contrasting moods. From an effervescent opening to a lilting lullaby, Tsunami Requiem is a moving testament to a tragic occurrence. Musica Sacra Cantorum Chorus is honored to present its regional premiere.
About Musica Sacra Cantorum
Musica Sacra Cantorum is two choral ensembles in one organization. At its core, it is an ensemble of highly talented and skilled professionals dedicated to the highest levels of musical artistry. This is Voices, our professional ensemble. These professionals join talents with highly qualified volunteers to comprise Musica Sacra Cantorum Chorus. The Chorus is the vehicle that presents the larger scale orchestrally supported masterworks, such as the two requiems we present this season.
