Join us as prepare for Holy Week by meditating with Father Nicholas Meisl on the Passion accounts in the Gospels of Saint Matthew and Saint John: this evening explores these complimentary texts through a combination of biblical reflections and selections from the Passions of St. John and St. Matthew of Johann Sebastian Bach performed by the Chilliwack Symphony Orchestra and Belle Voci choir under the direction of Paula DeWit.
Bach composed the St Matthew Passion and St. John’s Passion in 1727 for solo voices, double choir and double orchestra, with the Gospel of texts set to music, with interspersed chorales and arias.
Father Nicholas Meisl is a scripture expert, graduated from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome. He currently teaches at St. Mark’s College in UBC and the Seminary of Christ the King. He is a doctoral candidate with the university of Durham.
Paula DeWit is well known in Vancouver and the Fraser River Valley. She is an extremely competent musician, conductor, artist, and director, leading both choirs and orchestras with her professional conducting credentials. Throughout her musical career, Paula has been committed to the pursuit of beauty through the making of beautiful classical music.
Bevin Van Liempt is the president of the Chilliwack Symphony Orchestra. He is also the schola director at Holy Rosary Cathedral, as well as a Cantor at several other parishes in the Archdiocese of Vancouver.
This unique event will bring together the theology of the the Gospels with the creative genius of Bach.
The musical retreat will be held on Saturday April 9 at 6:30 PM. Free admission, donations greatly appreciated.
