Philomusica Concert Choir Sets May Performances

Philomusica Concert Choir is pleased to present its May 2015 concerts "Hope Eternal: From Darkness into Light" on Saturday May 16 at 8 pm and on Sunday May 17 at 4 pm. The concerts will be held at Our Lady of Peace Roman Catholic Church, located at 1740 Route 130 N, North Brunswick, NJ.

This concert includes several selections describing the transformation of mankind's darkest thoughts and despair about why terrible things happen to the acceptance of the light of God's salvation.

The concert opens with Heinrich Schutz's "Passion Motets" SWV 56-60 Cantiones Sacrae written in 1624. (Romantic period) The five motets are based upon St. Augustine's expansion of Psalm 115 and are among the peaks of 17th century music. The first motet begins with questioning of why Jesus was judged, condemned and put to death. Eventually in the fifth motet, the narrator accepts the chalice of salvation, and declares that he will sing of the Lord's mercies forever. The journey from darkness to light, by means of ascending the range and the gradual evolution from minor mode into major, is like a beam of light gradually illuminating the world.

Johannes Brahms' "Warum ist das Licht gegeben dem Muhseligen?" (Why is the light given to those weary in spirit?) written in four "movements" also starts in darkness with the voices crying "Warum" (Why?). (Early Baroque period) This part of the motet is taken from the Book of Job, 3:20-23. Through the gradual realization of the mercy and compassion of God, the last movement (from the Lutheran Dimittis) is a hymn to peace and joy, "My heart and mind are comforted, calm, and quiet."

Bob Chilcott composed the "Requiem" in 2010 (Modern). The text is the Latin "Mass for the Dead" with the addition of "Thou knowest, Lord, the Secret of our Hearts" from the Book of Common Prayer. The "Requiem" is meant to be to a contemplative setting appropriate for either a concert or a liturgical context. The Introit and Kyrie open over a gentle accompaniment, asking the Lord to grant the dead eternal rest and light perpetual to shine upon them. Jazz elements come into play in the Sanctus which praises God with dissonant harmonies, irregular dancing rhythm and driving energy. The "Requiem" concludes with Lux aeterna , "grant them eternal light" with the ending soprano soloist's final phrase ascending heavenward and bringing the "Requiem" to a serene close.1

Soloists for the "Requiem" are Nadine Robinson, Soprano, and Patrick Hagen, Tenor. Guest instrumentalists are Jill Sokol, flute; Sarah Davol, oboe; Mark Sloss, Clarinet; Alex Mastrando, French Horn; and Thomas Mulvaney, Timpani.

General tickets: $20 Adult; $15 Seniors/Students; $10 Children under 13. Discount of $2 on tickets bought in advance. Group discounts are available. Our Lady of Peace Church is handicapped accessible.

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