Opus 7 Vocal Ensemble – Pilgrim Beatitudes
Loren W. Pontén, founder & artistic director
Zach Finkelstein, tenor
Zachary Lenox, baritone
Opus 7 Chamber Orchestra, Blayne Barnes, concertmaster
Joseph Adam, organ & piano
Mark Hilliard Wilson, guitar

Since its inception, Opus 7's name has been synonymous with musical artistry, technical ambition, and the elevation of the unheard story. Culminating thirty years of historic choral innovation, this final concert of the 30th-Anniversary Series will feature works by Felix Mendelssohn, Bern Herbolsheimer, Charles Griffin, Alf Houkom, Urmas Sisask, and their own composer-in-residence, John Muehleisen.

The main feature of this anniversary event is the world premiere of John Muehleisen's Pilgrim Beatitudes, a major work commissioned by Opus 7 for choir, chamber orchestra, and tenor and baritone soloists. Muehleisen's score illuminates the thought-provoking text by famed Scottish-Welsh librettist Euan Tait – a dramatic vivid retelling of the Beatitudes that explores the journey from stranger to friend, from unknown to seen. Pilgrim Beatitudes implores the listener to remember the continuing relevance of this profound text from the Gospel of Matthew—a call to notice and care for those treated as unwanted strangers among us. Virtuosic tenor soloist Zach Finkelstein and baritone Zachary Lenox bring to life the colorful and complex roles of the Stranger and the Pilgrim.

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.