Cathedral Music Series - Sounds From A Sacred Space
The fine arts are deservedly ranked among the noblest activities of human
genius and this applies especially to religious art and to its highest
achievement, sacred art. These arts, by their very nature, are oriented
toward the infinite beauty of God, which they attempt in some way to
portray by the work of human hands. They are dedicated to advancing
God’s praise and glory to the degree that they center on the single aim
of turning the human spirit devoutly toward God.
-
(Constitution on the
Sacred Liturgy)
The Music Series at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral is a part of
the our outreach to the Greensburg community. Historically,
cathedrals throughout the world have fostered the role of the Church as
patroness of the arts. It is our hope that this series of concerts and
liturgies will be a source of inspiration and comfort to all.
Subscriber Gift Levels
The continued success of this series depends upon the generosity of
people like you. Please subscribe to the 2007-2008
Cathedral Music Series!
- Sustaining Benefactor
($1,000+)
- Benefactor
($500 - $999)
- Sustainer
($250 - $499)
- Patron
($100 - $249)
- Donor
($50 - $99)
- Friend
($1 - $49)
Please make checks payable to the Cathedral Music Series. Please send
all contributions to the Cathedral:
Blessed Sacrament
Cathedral
Cathedral Music Series
300 North Main Street
Greensburg, PA 15601
2007-2008 Season
Schedule
Sunday, October 28,
2007 - 3:00 PM
Music for a Great Space
John Sittard -
Organ
Siegrid Marks Sittard - Sorprano
David Wygonik - Trumpet
(Courtesy of T. Gombar)
The inaugural
concert of the season features works for organ, soprano and organ, and
trumpet and organ in the Cathedral’s splendid acoustical environment.
Included will be vocal works in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as
well as baroque trumpet favorites and works for organ that span several
centuries.
Sunday, December 16, 2007 - 3:00 PM
Christmas Lessons and Carols
Diocesan Choir of Greensburg
Members of the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra
Please join us for the second program in our series, followed by a reception at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art, which is currently holding its annual Holiday Toy and Train Exhibition. Both the program and reception are free and open to the public.
"Christmas Lessons & Carols" is a service that has its origin in England. A series of nine readings from sacred scripture about the coming of Jesus are read with different carols sung to respond to each of the readings.
The most famous service of “Lessons and Carols” continues to be broadcast worldwide each year from Kings College in Cambridge, England.
John Sittard, Director of Liturgy and Music, will direct the musical program. The 30 members of the
Diocesan Choir of Greensburg will be joined by members of the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra. Selections will include "Silent Night" (arr. Leo Nestor), "Candlelight Carol" (John Rutter), "The Angel Gabriel"
(Austin Lovelace, orchestrated by John Sittard), "A Spotless Rose" (Christopher Wiggins, orchestrated by Josie Merlino), "Glory to God" (Handel from Messiah), "A Sound of Angels" (Christopher Tye, a cappella choir).
“All My Heart This Night Rejoices,” composed in 2002 by Sittard, will also be included in the program. Accompanied by the orchestra, the audience will also be invited to join in singing festive carols. Please click here for
more pictures courtesy of Ed Zelachoski and the Catholic Accent.
Sunday, February
24, 2008 - 3:00 PM
Concert for Charity
Diocesan Choir of Greensburg
Members of the
Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra
John Rutter is one of foremost choral composers and
arrangers of our time. His Requiem was composed and premiered in
1985. The work is based on the texts from the Requiem Mass (Mass
for the Dead), as well as Psalms 23 and 130. It is a work that
touches all of the emotions and offers the listener a sense of
inspiration and comfort.
We would
like to extend a big thank you to all those involved in the Concert for
Charity, including the Diocesan Choir, instrumentalists, and Cathedral
Music Series Board. That afternoon we were blessed with beautiful
weather - we had an audience of over 300! We are pleased to report
that the free-will offering at the concert generated $1,431.06
for
Catholic Charities and their disaster relief efforts.
(Good)
Friday, March 21, 2008 - 7:00 PM
Tenebrae
Blessed Sacrament Cathedral Choir and Soloists
(Courtesy of George Lesko)
Tenebrae, which in Latin means “shadows," is a
dramatic and moving service that incorporates readings from Lamentations and reflective music of Christ’s passion. During the service,
candles and lights are gradually extinguished symbolizing the temporary victory
of darkness over light. At the conclusion, a single lit candle is
brought into the darkened Cathedral signifying the ultimate victory of Christ
won for all of humanity. The Tenebrae was held in the
church and featured the Cathedral Choir and soloists. Please click
here for more pictures.
Sunday, April 27, 2008 - 3:00 PM
Center City Brass
Quintet
Known for its
unparalleled recordings on the Chandos label, the Center City Brass
Quintet is comprised of an all-star roster of brass players that
convenes regularly for chamber music making of the highest caliber.
The quintet consists of Anthony DiLorenzo (trumpet), Geoffrey
Hardcastle (trumpet), Richard King (horn), Steve Witser
(trombone), and Craig Knox (tuba).
Please click
here to learn more about
the members of the Quintet and please click
here to download the
program for the performance.
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