Their cadence helps me to remember to take time to exhale, and to open myself to the beauty of the world…

One of the superpowers of music is its ability to help us harmonize our own internal tempo, especially in a sometimes chaotic world.

The first CD of choral music I ever owned was Robert Shaw’s recording of Rachmaninoff’s All-Night Vigil, a birthday present from my father, long before I knew that choral music would be such a central part of my life. If it were possible to wear out the grooves of a CD, I would have. I played it constantly, and very loudly, reveling in the vibrations of some of the most powerful harmonies ever written.

Rachmaninoff wrote for voices like he wrote for orchestra, weaving lines of singing separately and together in an ever-changing tapestry of range, dynamic and texture. I think it’s why we feel this music so viscerally.

It was also my first exposure to the idea of canonical hours: the practice in Christian traditions of joining prayers to the rhythm of the day. Over the years, I’ve come to recognize how perfectly Rachmaninoff’s writing conveys the heart of these prayers, which take us from dusk to dawn.

When I encountered Reena Esmail’s A Winter Breviary a few years ago, I was struck both by its beauty, and by how it too carries us through the night, specifically, the longest night of the year. The notes Esmail uses are drawn from Raags (scales from the Hindustani tradition of Northern India) meant to be sung at sunset, in the middle of the night, and at sunrise. In collaboration with poet Rebecca Gayle Howell, Esmail has created a deeply meditative work that lives at the intersection of East and West, of spirituality and rationality.

Together, these works share the idea of vigil: of prayer and watchfulness through the dark hours of life. Their cadence helps me to relax my own sometimes frantic rhythm, to remember to take time to exhale, and to open myself to the beauty of the world and the people around me.

I hope you’ll join us for these two exceptionally beautiful works, and that you too will find nourishment in them.
Gregory Ristow, Artistic Director

From our Rehearsal 🎶
Enjoy this clip of “Bogoroditse Devo”, one of the most famous movements from Rachmaninoff’s All Night Vigil, from rehearsal this past weekend.

A Sneak Peek 📖
Read about the works we’ll be presenting, through our program notes! If you like what you read, make sure you come to the pre-concert talk, with Charles Edward McGuire, PhD, from Oberlin College & Conservatory, 45 minutes prior to each performance.

Music for Good 🙏
Inspired by musical themes of creating peace and community, a portion of all donations will be directed to Re:Source Cleveland, helping them further their mission of helping our newest neighbors create roots within the community.

Register for tickets here. The concert is presented with “pay what you wish” tickets. Thank you for your support! You may also email info@clevelandchamberchoir.org to reserve tickets.

Friday, October 24, 7:30pm at Trinity Cathedral, 2230 Euclid Ave., Cleveland

Ample free parking at the surface lot located at 2333 Prospect Ave E, Cleveland, as well as on surrounding streets. The venue offers step-free access.

Saturday, October 25, 7:00pm at Fairchild Chapel, 50 W. Lorain St., Oberlin

Free parking is available throughout campus, including the lot directly behind Fairchild Chapel, as well as on Route 58/Main Street near the Allen Memorial Art Museum. Handicapped access is available from the ramp on the west side of the building, which enters Bosworth Hall in the rear (north end) of the building. Fairchild Chapel is on the ground floor, located at the center of the building. The venue offers step-free access.

The concert is presented with “pay what you wish” tickets. Thank you for your support! You may also reply to this email to reserve tickets.

If you can’t join us in person, the livestream of Saturday’s concert will be available on our website.

The choir is grateful for the full season grant support provided by The Louise H. and David S. Ingalls Foundation and the Ohio Arts Council, and support by Trinity Cathedral as named Artist in Residence.