A Choral Mass for Advent – Sundays at Noon

by admin | Nov 22, 2016 | Christian Formation, Events, Liturgy, Music, Parish Life, The Latest

The Sundays of Advent will feature a masterpiece of Guillaume Du Fay, Missa Ecce Ancilla Domini.

Guillaume Du Fay (1397-1474) was a Franco-Flemish composer of the late Medieval and early Renaissance periods. Du Fay’s musical talents were noticed at a young age by the cathedral authorities of his home in Cambrai. He went on to hold a number of prominent posts—including at Cambrai, Tournai, the court of Savoy, and the papal chapels in Rome and Florence—and was well regarded by his contemporaries. Du Fay is considered the central figure of the Burgundian School, a generation of composers which ushered in the new practices of the burgeoning musical Renaissance in Europe.

Missa Ecce Ancilla Domini, composed during Du Fay’s late period and copied into the Cambrai choirbook around 1464, emulates the English tradition of mass cycles based on a cantus firmus (a pre-existent melody). The tunes used, in this case, are “Ecce Ancilla Domini” (Antiphon: Annunciation) and “Beata es Maria” (Antiphon: Visitation). The mass’s flowing rhythmic style, frequent cadences, and consonant, third-filled harmony exemplify the sweetness and clarity of Dufay’s late-life, early-Renaissance style.

All Souls Day Requiem Mass

by admin | Oct 27, 2016 | Christian Formation, Events, Liturgy, Music, Parish Life, The Latest

ALL SOULS DAY

2 NOVEMBER 2016

7p Requiem Mass

All Souls Day’s evening Mass will feature a choral setting of the Requiem Mass, Offícium Defunctórum à 6, by the Spanish composer, Tomás Luis de Victoria (c. 1548—1611). Born in the province of Avila and later a choirboy in the Avila Cathedral, Victoria became an accomplished organist and singer early in life. He likely studied with Palestrina while a student at the Pontifical Roman Seminary. Victoria was ordained a priest in 1574 and he is regarded as one of the finest composers of sacred music in the late Renaissance, a genre to which he devoted himself exclusively.

Officium Defunctorum is one of the better-known masterpieces of this golden era of polyphony and sets itself apart from much of the repertoire of the era with its smooth, velvety texture. Fragments of the Gregorian melodies of the Requiem appear in the soprano line of every movement and the six-voice texture is only broken three times throughout the work, adding to the overall spaciousness of its aggregate sonority.

Mass for Four Voices – William Byrd

by admin | Oct 26, 2016 | Christian Formation, Events, Liturgy, Music, Parish Life, The Latest

Mass for Four Voices – William Byrd

30 October 2016

12n Extraordinary Form Mass

Collegium Musicum

Prince of Peace welcomes Collegium Musicum, a chamber ensemble specializing in music of the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods from the University of Georgia Hugh Hodgson School of Music. In addition to their performance of the Byrd Mass, the choir will also sing the masterful motet by Tomás Luis de Victoria, O Quam Gloriosum, conducted by Philip Reed. This choir’s exceptional personnel and historically informed performance practice will offer a rare treat for our parish’s musical and liturgical life!

Collegium Musicum’s appearance at Prince of Peace will be one of only two in the Upstate this fall. Don’t miss this exceptional choir singing the repertoire they do best in the setting for which it was conceived.

Our Schola Cantorum will sing the Gregorian Propers of the Mass.

J.D. Burnett, Director of Collegium Musicum, enjoys a varied career as a conductor, singer and teacher.  He is Assistant Professor of Music and Associate Director of Choral Activities at the University of Georgia Hugh Hodgson School of Music, where he conducts the Men’s and Women’s Glee Clubs and the Collegium Musicum, and teaches courses in choral literature and conducting. Additionally, he is Artistic Director and Conductor of the Kinnara Ensemble, a professional chamber choir based in Princeton, New Jersey.

Composed during the Protestant reign of Elizabeth I between 1592-1595, William Byrd’s cycle of three masses (for 4, 3, and 5 voices, respectively) was a work of considerable political and legal risk. These highly sensitive documents were published as small, concealable folios and distributed for use behind closed doors in the recusant Catholic households of Elizabethan England.

The Mass for Four Voices, composed first of the set, blends English musical tradition with contemporary Continental style.

Summer Choral Theatre 2016 – Registration Deadline EXTENDED 5/19/16

by admin | May 17, 2016 | Christian Formation, Events, Liturgy, Music, Parish Life, The Latest

REGISTRATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MAY 19, 2016

Summer Choral Theatre 2016
Prince of Peace Catholic Church and School
Monday, June 13 – Friday, June 17, 2016
Performances Saturday, June 18, 2016 at 11:00
Attention elementary and middle school parents! Last year’s inaugural Summer Choral Theatre was a rousing success by any measure, so make sure to get your child registered for the opportunity to enjoy a week of fun, singing, acting, and games! Each participant will join with others from our parish and school in learning and performing a faith-building musical drama. Each half-day session is an all-inclusive activity that will include themed snacks, social activities and even outdoor time in addition to the rehearsals of singing, staging, and basic choreography. Both performances will be Saturday, June 18, at 11:00, and will conclude the week. Family and friends are welcome to come and enjoy the performances!
Francis: The Poor Little Man of God (rising) Grades 1-4 – Monday, June 13 thru Friday, June 17 – 9:30-12:00
This charming retelling of St. Francis of Assisi is a heartwarming performance to watch. It depicts Francis’ love of God’s creation and gives the young performers a model of how to always be thankful for everything in our lives, down to the smallest bird in the sky. Our younger participants will engage in a fully staged production that includes enchanting animal costumes!
The HitThe Rock Slinger and His Greatest Hit (rising) Grades 5-8 – Monday, June 13 thru Friday, June 17 – 1:30-4:30
The story of David and Goliath, a brave tale of courage and trust in God, makes a powerful impact in this musical production. The formidable combination of Allen Pote’s dramatic music and Tom Long’s lively dialogue makes for an exciting and enjoyable production for all ages. With a stage overrun with sentries, kings, commanders, spears, flying rocks, shepherds, and even a giant, your child won’t want to miss this hit of a musical!
Program Fee – $85 for one child, $150 for two children, $200 family maximum (includes instruction, t-shirt, themed snacks, and materials)
Registration opens March 7 exclusively to Prince of Peace families through April 1.
Registration will open to all others beginning April 2.
All registrations are due no later than MAY 19

Click here to download the registration form