THE LORD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU
by Peter Lutkin (1858-1931)
Sung a capella "in the round" (surrounding the audience), the Lutkin Benediction encored the final program for the 2010-2011 Music & Arts at Providence Concert Series, on June 12, 2011, entitled "From Darkness Into Light." The performance also included "The 142nd Psalm" by Julius Chajes, Mozart's "Requiem," Rutter's "Requiem," and Russian liturgical anthem "O Gladsome Light" by Alexandre Gretchaninoff, exploring the progression from spiritual darkness and despair through the grieving process of death toward the hope and joy of heaven in God's light and presence.
Terry Stoneberg, conductor
Music & Arts Chorus
Providence Presbyterian Church
"Where Life and Faith Connect"
9019 Little River Turnpike
Fairfax, Virginia 22031
www.providencechurch.org
CONDUCTOR'S VERBAL COMMENTS BEFORE PERFORMANCE OF THE LUTKIN BENEDICTION: About 16 years ago I came to this church [Providence Presbyterian Church], and started this as a tradition [singing the Lutkin Benediction in the round -- surrounding the audience]. We started this program with a 3,000-year-old psalm by a Jewish king -- David [Psalm 142]. We propose to end this concert with a 3,500-year-old blessing given [by God] to Moses, instructed to be given to Aaron to bless the Jewish people. We started [this concert] in darkness and we ended in light. And I hope that you will hear the phrase when we sing, "The Lord make His face to shine upon you." (T.D. Stoneberg)
12 авг 2011
