Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra to present Lauridsen’s “Lux Aeterna”

The light imagery of our fall Capital Campaign was central to my selection of this spring’s major choral/orchestral masterwork, “Lux Aeterna” (Eternal Light) by Morten Lauridsen (b. 1943.)  Its five movements are based on various references to light from sacred Latin texts:  perpetual light, light risen in the darkness, Redeemer-born light from light, light of the Holy Spirit, light of hearts, most blessed light, eternal light – all supporting our earthly journey in search of God’s mercy, God’s consolation, and spiritual renewal.  The piece opens and closes with the beginning and ending of the Requiem Mass, with the central three movements drawn respectively from the Te Deum (including a line from the Beatus Vir), O Nata Lux, and Veni Sancte Spiritus. English translations will be printed within the service bulletin.   About 30 minutes in duration, the work has close contemporary harmonies in its 8-part choral writing, complemented by a large, 20-piece orchestra.   We hope you will join us (and invite a friend!) for this special worship experience of “Lux Aeterna.”