Bask in this glorious music in one performance only:
 
May 17, 2009, 3:30 pm 
St. Paul Cathedral, Oakland

After 14 years since its last performance in Pittsburgh, Rachmaninoff’s a cappella masterpiece, Vespers (All-Night Vigil) will be the culmination of the Mendelssohn Choir’s 100th anniversary year. Director Betsy Burleigh says, “This is arguably the most significant a cappella choral work ever written and St. Paul Cathedral is one of the great architectural treasures of Pittsburgh. The acoustics and the setting of St. Paul Cathedral are absolutely perfect for this work”.

The title of the work is often translated as simply “Vespers”, which is incorrect as only the first six of its fifteen movements have text from the Vespers. The “All-Night Vigil” as it is correctly called includes texts associated with the Matins, the Vespers, and the First Hour as celebrated in the Russian Orthodox Church. This choral work has often been referred to as “the greatest musical achievement of the Russian Orthodox Church”.

In addition, the Choir will perform Andrew Rindfleisch’s Anthem, commissioned by the choir for its 100th anniversary season. This work subtly combines the age-old technique of text painting with beautiful harmonic language.

Advanced ticket prices are $35 and $55 (including a post-concert reception). Tickets can be purchased directly from the Mendelssohn Choir by calling(412) 926-2488 or emailing andrews313@verizon.net

Experience the unadorned Mendelssohn singing this a cappella masterpiece as the grand finale of our centennial celebration!