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LJS&C Press Releases
La Jolla Symphony Chorus Performs Rarely-Heard Vespers by Sergei Rachmaninoff
La Jolla, Calif. (March 28, 2007) - The La Jolla Symphony Chorus (LJSC), conducted by Choral Director David Chase, presents Sergei Rachmaninoff's choral masterpiece, All Night Vigil, also known as Vespers, in two concerts in April. Rachmaninoff's rarely-performed homage to his Russian Orthodox roots is written for a cappella voice (unaccompanied chorus) in the style of the great Russian church singing.
"It's a style that we don't hear very often in our churches or concerts," says Chase. "It might be described as chant, dressed in harmonies and textures that exploit all the most robust sounds a chorus can make: delicate, angelic soprano parts; earthy contralto melodies; heroic tenor lines; and, of course, those growling Russian basses."
Vespers will be sung in Russian by the 130-voice chorus in two performances on consecutive Sundays: April 22 at 7 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in La Costa, and April 29 at 7 p.m. at St. Paul's Cathedral in San Diego.
Vespers was composed in 1915 at a pivotal time in Russian history, two years before the Communists took over. In writing this piece, Rachmaninoff stepped outside of his internationally-acclaimed career (built on colorful orchestral works and virtuosic piano concertos) to compose a work of sacred choral music as an affirmation of his country's ancient faith.
For Chase, Rachmaninoff's Vespers holds a unique place in his personal history as well. He first heard the work in the late 1970s when given a recording by his wife, soprano Ann Chase. Nineteen years later, both Chases were selected to sing with renowned choral conductor Robert Shaw in his 60-voice Festival Singers when the chorus made a recording of Vespers while on tour in Southern France. The recording won a Grammy in 1989.
Referring to that performance experience as "overwhelming," Chase hesitated to try his hand at conducting the piece back home. Until now.
"I made the decision to conduct Vespers after the Chorus performed a cappella church concerts of sacred music last spring," Chase says. "They were beautiful concerts, the chorus was amazing, and Ann said to me, 'It's time to do the Rachmaninoff.' To my surprise, I agreed."
The concerts are one-hour long and performed without intermission. Tickets are $10 general admission and $8 for students. Benefactor tickets for $50 include reserved seating. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the LJS&C office at (858) 534-4637 or visit www.lajollasymphony.com.
Tickets also will be sold at the door at each venue. St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church is located on Alga Road at the intersection with El Fuerte in Carlsbad/La Costa. St. Paul’s Cathedral is at 2728 Sixth Avenue, near Balboa Park, in San Diego.
The La Jolla Symphony & Chorus, San Diego's oldest and largest community orchestra and chorus, is a non-profit musical performing group dedicated to inspiring San Diego with the joy of music. The choral and orchestra ensembles are known for performing groundbreaking music along with traditional favorites from the classical repertoire. The organization is currently celebrating its 52nd season.
