The Saint Tikhon Choir is thrilled to announce the world premiere performances of Benedict Sheehan’s modern masterwork Vespers this coming November 11-13! Two-time GRAMMY®-nominated conductor and composer Benedict Sheehan will lead the professional choristers of Saint Tikhon’s in this unique and powerful musical exploration that has been called “a masterpiece” (ConcertoNet), “luminous and uplifting” (Choir & Organ) and a work of “unique musical genius” (Fanfare Magazine).
Performances will be held on November 11 at 7:30pm at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New York City; November 12 at 7:30pm at St. Stephen’s Pro-Cathedral in Wilkes-Barre, PA; and November 13 at 4:00pm at First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem PA.
Inspired by Rachmaninoff’s All-Night Vigil, Sheehan’s unique musical and linguistic expression expands the genre. He adorns full-length Psalms and hymns with a deep understanding of beauty, faith, and humanity.
The performances will additionally honor His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, who this year celebrates his 10th anniversary as Metropolitan. The series is a co-production of the Orthodox Church in America, Great Music Under a Byzantine Dome, First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem, and Saint Tikhon’s Monastery.
The concerts will feature solos by some of the country’s leading vocal artists, including celebrated American basso profundo Glenn Miller, who will perform “The Song of Simeon”, composed by Sheehan specifically for him. The movement boasts some of the lowest notes ever written for a soloist.