Choral Evensong (sung Evening Prayer) is one of the most beautiful services of our tradition. Most of Evensong is sung by the choir, freeing the congregation to attend prayerfully to the “holiness of beauty.” The St. Mark’s Choir & Soloists offer a service of Evensong for the Feasts of All Saints & All Souls. During the service, Lydia Cseh Dahling will sing Maurice Ravel’s extraordinary setting of the Kaddish, chanted during Jewish prayer services in mourning for the dead. The service will also feature music of the French composer Maurice Duruflé (movements from his Requiem), a Magnificat & Nunc Dimittis on Plainsong themes as well as a setting of the Preces & Responses, all composed for the occasion by our Director of Music Ministries. The service will be accompanied by Christopher Houlihan.
In addition to our honoring those saints and souls who have gone before us, we will sing in memory and celebration of the life and ministry of the Very Reverend Robert Andrew Willis, former Dean of Canterbury Cathedral. Dean Willis passed away on October 22, was a friend to thousands around the world (both individuals and numerous Anglo-Episcopal parishes), and was the life-partner of Fletcher Banner. The congregation is invited to bring framed photographs or other mementos of those whom they love and who have died. Those mementos will be blessed during the singing of the “Kaddish.” Please join us for this beautiful, candle-lit service. A reception will follow.