Tenebrae
A Hymn of Heavenly Beauty
Nigel Short, conductor

Described as "phenomenal" (The Times) and "devastatingly beautiful" (Gramophone Magazine), award-winning London-based choir Tenebrae is one of the world’s leading vocal ensembles, renowned for its passion and precision. In their first-ever Seattle concert appearance, in the stellar acoustic of St. James Cathedral, they will sing Renaissance masterworks and music from 19th- through 21st-century composers.

"A concert by the British choir Tenebrae is more than a performance. It’s an experience that envelops the audience... this is one of the best choirs in the world." – St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"For purity and precision of tone, and flawless intonation, Nigel Short's chamber choir Tenebrae is pretty much unbeatable." – The Times

Under the direction of Nigel Short, Tenebrae performs at major festivals and venues across the globe, including the BBC Proms, Wigmore Hall, Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, Rheingau Musik Festival and Sydney Festival. The choir has earned international acclaim for its interpretations of choral music ranging from the Renaissance through to contemporary masterpieces, and it regularly commissions new music. Tenebrae has enjoyed collaborations with some of the UK's leading orchestras, appearing alongside the London Symphony Orchestra, Aurora Orchestra, the Academy of Ancient Music and Britten Sinfonia.

Alongside its performance and recording schedule, Tenebrae runs a thriving Learning & Connection programme, working with hundreds of young people and amateur singers each year. Through its Associate Artist Programme, it also provides crucial training and performance opportunities to young professional singers.

Tenebrae has won two BBC Music Magazine Awards for 'Best Choral Performance' (2012 & 2016), and in 2018 its album Music of the Spheres was nominated for a Grammy Award.

We are very happy to welcome them to Seattle as a part of their USA Tour 2023!

PROGRAM (please note that the program has changed as of 2/10/2023):

Alonso Lobo (1555–1617) – Versa est in luctum (click for video)
Gregorian chant – Pange lingua gloriosi
Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873–1943) – Hymn to the Cherubim
Anton Bruckner (1824–1896) – Virga Jesse
Vicente Lusitano (c. 1520–c. 1561) – Heu me Domine
Antonio Lotti (1667–1740) – Crucifixus
Orlando Gibbons (1583–1625) – Drop, drop slow tears
Gregorio Allegri (c. 1582–1652) – Miserere mei, Deus

Intermission

John Tavener (1944–2013) – Funeral Ikos
Orlande de Lassus (c.1532–1594) – Musica Dei donum
Joanna Marsh (b. 1970) – In winter's house
Edvard Grieg (1843–1907) – Ave Maris stella
Mikhail Glinka (1804–1857) – Hymn to the Cherubim
Gustav Holst (1874–1934) – Ave Maria
Holst – Nunc dimittis
Eric Whitacre (b. 1970) – Sleep
William Harris (1883–1973) – Faire is the heaven

Program, including intermission, runs approximately 90 minutes.

Friends of Cathedral Music donors are urged to make early seat reservations, as premium seating is limited.

 
Tickets:

Tenebrae, conducted by Nigel Short – Saturday, March 11, 2023 – 8:00 pm

This link will take you to the Zeffy.com ticketing site.

Section A: $40
Section B: $30
Section C: suggested donation $20; $12 students/seniors; or pay what you can
We do not reserve specific seats – there is open seating within all sections.

Click here for a seating map.

Pay-what-you-can tickets and an option to offer a donation greater than the suggested amount are available at the ticketing link.


The concert begins at 8:00pm and is approximately 90 minutes long, including intermission.

Doors open at 7:30pm. The Cathedral will close after the 5:30pm Mass for setup, and doors will reopen at 7:30.

While advance purchase of tickets is encouraged and greatly appreciated, walk-up tickets will be available at the Marion St. & Terry Ave. door only (box office will open no later than 7:30pm). Those who have purchased tickets in advance, are entering with a Friends of Cathedral Music membership card, or are on the will-call list may enter at any entrance.

Online ticket sales will be available through the end of the concert.

COVID Guidelines
Proof of vaccination is no longer required for Cathedral events. The CDC and King County Public Health continue to strongly recommend you wear a mask at large indoor events. While not required, we encourage all concert attendees to wear masks while community spread continues. We ask that all audience members be respectful of each other's choices. This policy is subject to change based on Archdiocesan, King County, and Washington State COVID guidelines and regulations.

 
More Information:

Where to Enter
There are three Cathedral entrances 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. Restrooms and the Box Office to purchase walk-up tickets 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. Advance ticket holders, Friends of Cathedral Music, and will call may enter here.

- 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. Advance ticket holders, Friends of Cathedral Music, and will call may enter here.

Tickets and Seating
You will receive a ticket by email after your purchase on Zeffy.com. Please bring a printed or electronic copy (on smartphone or tablet) of your ticket to the concert. If you are unable to print or don't have an electronic device, we will have a list of all attendees at the entrances. You may check in at any entrance.

If you or a member of your party has a specific seating need (wheelchair, aisle seat for walker, etc.), please contact us in advance at musicoffice@stjames-cathedral.org or 206-382-4874, and we will make sure that you are accommodated.

Parking Information
- The Cabrini Garage, on Marion St. between Terry & Boren Aves., will remain open for paid parking until 10:30pm 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 $2.50/hour (free after 8:00pm).

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

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 questions, please call the Music Office at 206-382-4874, or e-mail musicoffice@stjames-cathedral.org.