This Event has Passed
Tenebrae: A Service of Shadows
WNY Festival Chorus and St. Joseph University Parish Choirs come together to present Tenebrae: A Service of Shadows
The Festival Chorus and St. Joseph University Parish Choir will unite to present “Tenebrae: A Service of Shadows” on Friday, April 11. The service will be held at 7:00 pm at St. Joseph University Parish located at 3269 Main St in Buffalo. This candlelight service will be open to the public and a free will offering will be taken upon admission.
‘Tenebrae’ means “darkness” or “shadows”. The journey of Lent culminates in the examination of Jesus in his last hours, as well as the cruelties, suffering, and ridicule he endures. The Tenebrae service includes readings describing these events coupled with moving choral selections such as When Jesus Wept and When I Survey Thy Wondrous Cross. After each reading a candle is extinguished, ultimately leaving us in darkness awaiting Easter Light’s return.
Tom Rutter, talented pianist, will accompany the choirs and Maria Chomicka will assist on the organ. Both Tom and Heather work regularly with both choirs, making this a natural collaboration. While the St. Joseph University choirs are made of parish members, the Festival Chorus is a choir of community members from a wide variety of backgrounds and religious beliefs, making this an ecumenical service.
Director, Heather Lovelace, is looking forward to the event. “I have always found the readings and music of Lent to be extremely moving,” says Heather. “I believe this service will be a culmination of emotions represented in Word, music, and the symbols of shadows and darkness.”
The Festival Chorus is directed by Heather Lovelace, the former music director at the Parish of St. Katharine Drexel. Heather has been a member of the Festival Chorus for 25 years and has served as director for the past 12 years. Heather is also the choir director at Depew High School and is currently serving as a music director at St. Joseph University Parish. She sees choral music as a vehicle for bringing messages of hope to the community and loves orchestrating creative programs that touch hearts.
The Festival Chorus is a part of the Christian Foundation for the Performing Arts (CFPA), a not-for-profit community choir. We will be celebrating our 40th year of excellence in music in our 2025-26 season. The members of CFPA and The Festival Chorus represent various churches, denominations, and communities in Erie and Niagara counties. Our repertoire consists of Classical, Sacred, Contemporary Sacred, Patriotic, and Broadway Show Music. The Festival Chorus is available to minister through special music in worship services and concerts. We are committed to conveying hope and encouragement through our music. Our 2025 season is made possible in part through grant funding from Erie County. For more information about The Festival Chorus, please visit wnyfestivalchorus.org or call (716) 531-8986.
