Music Notes for May 8 - Pentecost

Happy Birthday to the Church of Christ (that’s us), the “bride” of Christ (various settings of Veni Sancte and Veni Creator Spiritus) strengthened by the comforting love of the Holy Spirit (Come down o love divine, Sequence hymn), and on this day- a primary feast day in the Christian Calendar (Hail Thee Festival day, hymn 225). In other words, it is Pentecost Sunday and even Confirmation. Our music reflects its many themes including the gift of the Holy Spirit, which sustains the church in its mission.

In particular, we will use a setting the Sequence for Pentecost, Veni Sancte Spiritus (Come, Holy Spirit, send forth the heavenly radiance of your light) set as a Taize song and sung by the choir at the Communion. The organ prelude is Dietrich Buxtehude’s setting of the German chorale, Nun Bitten Wir Den Heilgen Geist (We pray now to the Holy Spirit). These ancient Latin texts have strengthened Pentecost worship for centuries and it is such a privilege to worship in a tradition that still senses their profound spiritual expression.

This Sunday afternoon, May 15, 2016 at 4:00 pm, Our Vocal Artist-in-Residence Katy Williams, Soprano presents, “A Tribute to Madeline Kahn!” Come and listen to Katy singing the famous repertoire of the late and great singer/actress, Madeline Kahn. Her most famous roles were from the motion pictures Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein, but did you know she was a classically trained lyric coloratura soprano? Join Katy for a tribute Madeline’s musical repertoire and learn of her great gifts that we still enjoy today. Guest appearance by Rich Williams, her favorite tenor. Rebekah Hill accompanies with great delicacy and fervor. Suggested Donation at the Door is $10.