The Festival Chorus and St. Joseph University Parish Choir will unite to present “Tenebrae: A Service of Shadows” on Friday, April 11. The service will be held at 7:00 pm at St. Joseph University Parish located at 3269 Main St in Buffalo. This candlelight service will be open to the public and a free will offering will be taken upon admission.

 

‘Tenebrae’ means “darkness” or “shadows”. The journey of Lent culminates in the examination of Jesus in his last hours, as well as the cruelties, suffering, and ridicule he endures. The Tenebrae service includes readings describing these events coupled with moving choral selections such as When Jesus Wept and When I Survey Thy Wondrous Cross. After each reading a candle is extinguished, ultimately leaving us in darkness awaiting Easter Light’s return.

 

Tom Rutter, talented pianist, will accompany the choirs and Maria Chomicka will assist on the organ. Both Tom and Heather work regularly with both choirs, making this a natural collaboration. While the St. Joseph University choirs are made of parish members, the Festival Chorus is a choir of community members from a wide variety of backgrounds and religious beliefs, making this an ecumenical service.

 

Director, Heather Lovelace, is looking forward to the event. “I have always found the readings and music of Lent to be extremely moving,” says Heather. “I believe this service will be a culmination of emotions represented in Word, music, and the symbols of shadows and darkness.”

 

 

**Free Will Offering

 

CONTACT:

Virginia Stolarski at (716) 512-3221

festivalchoruscfpa@gmail.com