Greetings and welcome,
In 1972, Neil Diamond had an earworm hit with “Song Sung Blue” (everybody knows one). In fashioning a title for our all-psalm program, I reached back to see if anyone –anyone younger than about 55, that is – would catch the pun.
Performing great liturgical music in the newest basilica in the United States (St. Peter in Chains was officially designated a basilica on June 29, 2020) is a great privilege and an opportunity to bring people together in a beautiful sacred space. The KSO and the St. Peter in Chains Choir have collaborated on several occasions over the last 10 seasons; tonight is the first with Matthew Geerlings as the choir’s music director.
Old Testament psalms have long been sources of inspiration for composers. Tonight, the choir and orchestra present settings of three of the 150 psalms that have been handed down through millennia in the Book of Psalms. All are different in style, mood, and character as they paint the words of faith, glory, praise, honor, and sometimes caution.
As the KSO moves forward with faith and fortitude, we invite you to join us for unique programming in 2022 – Mahler and commissioned poetry, Chaplin and Jackman, and Studio 54 Revisited. (Did anyone mention perfect gift idea?) Here at the basilica, don’t forget the annual Advent Lessons and Carols service at 3 p.m. Nov. 28. Enjoy the program.
“Praise ye the Lord.”
James R. Cassidy,
Music Director
