A Lenten Evensong
The Cathedral Singers, including the newly appointed Choral Scholars, sung their first Evensong service under the direction of Thomas Lloyd, Acting Director of Music, and accompanied by Cathedral Organist John Andrew Bailey on Sunday March 20th. The Very Rev. Judith A. Sullivan was the Officiant. Evensong had its origins in the monastic Vespers, for which the monks, who had worked all day in the fields and vineyards, put aside their tools and came together for a moment of reflection and celebration in the gathering dusk. Evensong has been one of the most treasured liturgies of the Anglican tradition mostly unchanged since the first English Prayer Book of 1549. Sacred music has played an integral role in the life of the Cathedral. The Lenten The Evensong service music included Herbert Howells St. Paul’s Service, Victor Kalinnikov “Svjetje Tihi” (Gladsome Light/Phos Hilaron), Duke Ellington “Father Forgive” and “Lord’s Prayer” from his Sacred Concerts, the Hall Johnson arrangement of the spiritual “I’ve been ‘buked” and new liturgical recitation settings by Thomas Lloyd. A reception followed the Service.
