Some things have the power to transcend even the most trying times. Among them are the holidays, with their message of peace and unity, and music, with its power to heal and inspire. The Saint Louis Cathedral Concerts series, which takes place at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, combines both.
The series kicks off the holiday season Nov. 24 with a performance by Jitro Czech Girls Choir, a group of 25 school-age girls renowned for their tone and harmonies. Among other holiday favorites, Jitro will perform Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols. “And, as a special treat, girls choirs from Rosati-Kain High School and Ursuline Academy will give a special pre-concert and also join Jitro for a number,” says series executive director Scott Kennebeck.
The season continues Dec. 13 and 14 with the 10th annual Christmas at the Cathedral concerts, featuring the Archdiocesan adult and children’s choirs, a handbell choir and an orchestra. “They’ll play and sing sacred and classical holiday music old and new, including excerpts from Handel’s Messiah,” Kennebeck says.
The venue is as spectacular as the music. The Cathedral Basilica’s magnificent Romanesque facade, designed by a team of architects led by George Barnett and completed in 1914, houses a soaring Byzantine interior. “It’s a masterpiece, set in the heart of the Central West End,” Kennebeck says. More than 250,000 people visit annually to view its treasures, including 83,000 square feet of mosaic art, one of the world’s largest collections. “To hear amazing music in such an awe-inspiring environment takes it to an even higher level of meaning,” he adds.
Since 1992, Saint Louis Cathedral Concerts have showcased exceptional musical artists and programs in the unique Cathedral Basilica. “We present affordable concerts featuring world-class musicians, performers and repertoire, for the cultural enrichment and enjoyment of people of all religions and creeds,” Kennebeck says. “To date, we’ve entertained more than 175,000 people through our performances and educational outreach programs.”
The Cathedral Concerts aren’t just for Christmas. “We present eight to 10 performances a year,” Kennebeck says. The 2014-15 season continues Feb. 8 with concert organist Todd Wilson, March 21 with a cappella Renaissance choir Pomerium, April 15 with vocal ensemble Blue Heron, and May 13 with brass quintet Empire Brass. To help keep the events affordable for all, the series holds a fundraising gala May 3 at the Four Seasons. This year’s Great Music Award recipient is St. Louis Symphony concertmaster David Halen.
“Music fuels us, inspires hope and joy, and brings peace even in our darkest hours,” Kennebeck says. “It takes us beyond our everyday lives and connects us to something higher and better within ourselves. Enjoying it during the holidays in a beautiful, sacred place enhances the experience all the more. We hope everyone joins us.”
[Cathedral Concerts take placeat the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, 4431 Lindell Blvd. For tickets, visit the Cathedral gift shop, call 314.533.7662 or visit cathedralconcerts.org.]
Photo: Stephen Gallagher