Opus 7 – Finding Light in Darkness
Lenten music for choir, cello, harp, and percussion

Loren W. Pontén, director
with special guests
Naomi Kato, harp
Kevin Krentz, cello
Karen Sunmark, percussion

After nearly two years of hiatus due to the pandemic, Opus 7 is thrilled to present Finding Light in Darkness, a program of music featuring inspirational texts of faith, hope, and love.

Their first concert of 2022 presents a collection of extraordinary works spanning six centuries from some of the greatest European and American choral composers, setting some of the most profound and prayerful texts in the choral repertoire. Composers include Howells, Parry, Schütz, Gibbons; Welsh native Paul Mealor; and Seattle's own Peter Hallock and John Muehleisen.

They will sing three pieces by the Anglican composer Peter Hallock, who was Director of Music and conductor of the Compline Choir at Seattle's iconic St. Mark's Cathedral for a span of more than 60 years. "Rachel's Lament," a movement from Hallock's liturgical drama Days of Herod, narrates the grief of a mother's loss through a dialogue between two soloists with handbell accompaniment. There is a Stream, with text by 17th-century poet John Mason, describes a heavenly Paradise. Phoenix—whose text is adapted from an ancient Christian poem—combines choir, harp, and cello to express the miraculous resurrection of the Phoenix rising from the ashes, representing Christ's Resurrection.

Seattle native John Muehleisen, Opus 7's critically-acclaimed Composer-in-Residence, will be represented in an encore performance of De Profundis (Out of the Depths). This work is based on the collection of Psalm texts sung by the Israelites on their journey from captivity in Babylon to the holy city of Jerusalem.

Join Opus 7 for an evening of restorative and inspirational music, and journey together with them to find light in darkness, all in the glorious acoustic of St. James Cathedral.

Information and tickets at www.opus7.org. Contact the Cathedral music office for pay-what-you-can parishioner passes: musicoffice@stjames-cathedral.org or 206-382-4874.

COVID-19 Precautions

Following the lead of the major arts organizations in Seattle, we will continue to require masks to be worn at all times during a concert in the Cathedral and proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 48 hours of the performance start time, through Tuesday, May 31, 2022. No such restrictions are in place for masses and other liturgies at the Cathedral.

 
More Information:

Where to Enter
There are three Cathedral entrances with box offices for concerts:

- The Marion Street/Terry Avenue entrance is at the northeast corner of the Cathedral (nearest to O'Dea parking). This entrance is accessible to those with disabilities. The restrooms are located at this entrance.

- The Columbia Street/Courtyard entrance is on the south side of the Cathedral near the Chapel. Accessible via a ramp.

- The 9th Avenue entrance is on the west side of the Cathedral. This entrance is NOT accessible to those who use a wheelchair or have other mobility issues.

Parking Information
- The Cabrini Garage closes at 7pm and will NOT remain open for this concert.

- Limited free parking (~65 spaces) is available in the O'Dea High School parking lot, entrances on Marion and Columbia Streets between Terry and Boren Avenues.

- Street parking is free after 8:00pm.

- Accessible parking is available on the west side of Terry Avenue, between Marion and Columbia.

- There is a small pay lot across the street from the Cathedral on 9th Avenue and a larger pay lot at 711 Madison Street. If you park at a garage in the neighborhood, be sure to check the closing time.

Public Transportation
St. James Cathedral is within a few blocks of a number of bus lines and the First Hill Streetcar. The #60 bus stops directly in front on 9th Ave. To plan your trip, visit tripplanner.kingcounty.gov (or 206-553-3000), or maps.google.com and search for Terry Ave & Marion St, Seattle.

Questions
If you have any general questions about attending a concert at St. James Cathedral, please call the Music Office at 206-382-4874, or e-mail musicoffice@stjames-cathedral.org. For ticketing or program questions, contact Opus 7: Email or 206-782-2899.