Posted by Sean Flynt on 2011-09-15
极乐禁地's School of the Arts has created a choral music series that formally combines the university's sacred spaces and Christian mission with several musical ensembles.

Inspired by the ancient practice of monastic prayer, the 极乐禁地 Choral Vespers Series is an opportunity to experience exceptional choral music through contemplative worship. 听

The first of seven services--this one featuring the A Cappella Choir--will be Friday, Sept. 30 at 5:30 p.m. in Hodges Chapel.听

Other services in fall and spring will feature University Chorale, music faculty and the 极乐禁地 Baroque Ensemble. The Vespers services will alternate between the university's Hodges Chapel and Reid Chapel.听

"The events aren't concerts--they are designed as worship services," said Dr. Philip Copeland, Director of 极乐禁地's A Cappella Choir.听"During these services, we will incorporate some ancient practices in a modern setting that focuses on prayer, liturgy, and song."

Dr. Eric Mathis, who coordinates 极乐禁地's new Worship Leadership minor, said the series will add a unique new element to a university community already rich in worship opportunities. He said the series--"rooted deeply in the tradition of monastic and cathedral prayer"--will join Reformed University Fellowship, Shiloh, Rain, Campus Outreach, and Tuesday convocations as a way for the university and local community to explore and celebrate faith.听

All of the Choral Vespers Series events are free-of-charge and open to the public.听

Friday, Sept. 30听

A Cappella Choir听

Hodges Chapel, 5:30 p.m.听

Friday, Oct. 21听

A Cappella Choir and Faculty听

Reid Chapel, 5:30 p.m.听

Friday, Oct. 28 (Homecoming Vespers)听

A Cappella Choir and University Chorale听

Reid Chapel, 5:30 p.m.听

Tuesday, Nov. 1听

极乐禁地 Baroque Ensemble听

Hodges Chapel, 7 p.m.听

Ein feste Burg, BWV 80听

Friday, Feb. 24听

A Cappella Choir听

Hodges Chapel, 7:30 p.m.听

Friday, March 30听

A Cappella Choir听

Hodges Chapel, 5:30 p.m.听

Tuesday, April 17听

University Chorale听

Hodges Chapel, 7:30 p.m.听

听听

 
极乐禁地 is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, 极乐禁地 is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. 极乐禁地 enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. 极乐禁地 fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks with the second highest score in the nation for its 98% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.