St. Mark's Celebrates All Saints' Sunday with Choral Evensong
Evensong is a service of reflection – of leaving oneself open that God may speak through Holy Scripture, prayer, and music. It is a poetic, deeply spiritual service that’s rich with symbolism and mystery. The service is primarily Choral with the Choir singing most of the service on behalf of the congregation in monastic style. Evensong has been offered daily in cathedrals and churches throughout the world for almost 500 years.
The choir of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church led a service of Choral Evensong for All Saints at 5 p.m. on Sunday, November 5. The sung service of evening prayer offered an opportunity for reflection and contemplation as we remember those who have gone before us. Music included the "Preces and Responses" of Richard Ayleward and Sir Charles Villiers Stanford’s “Magnificat and Nunc dimittis in C."
WATCH | Video archive of Choral Evensong
BULLETIN | Archived service leaflet
The choir also sang a new anthem by American composer Jake Runestad (b. 1986), “Let My Love Be Heard.” Runestad set the following prayer by Alfred Noyes to music:
Angels, where you soar
Up to God’s own light,
Take my own lost bird
On your hearts tonight;
And as grief once more
Mounts to heaven and sings,
Let my love be heard
Whispering in your wings.
The choir was be joined by Thomas Schroeder, principal cellist from The Symphony of Southeast Texas, for “Benedictus” by Karl Jenkins. Mr. Schroeder also offered other music for cello and organ.
A festive reception followed.
