An Evening of Music and Readings at Shadyside Presbyterian Church features Egil Hovland’s Agnus Dei

Shadyside Presbyterian Church presents an Evening of Music and Readings on Good Friday, April 6, at 7:00 p.m. The service features Norwegian composer Egil Hovland’s setting of the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God), presented by the church’s Chancel Choir and bassoonist Linda Fisher, under the direction of conductor Mark A. Anderson, Director of Music Ministry.

Shadyside Presbyterian Church welcomes the Pittsburgh community to hear Hovland’s unique composition, which lasts about half an hour in its entirety.  The work is divided into four movements, each based on a single line of text from the traditional Latin “Lamb of God.”  On Good Friday evening at Shadyside, each movement will be punctuated by readings and periods of silence to allow for individual contemplation.

The unconventional combination of choir and bassoon makes for a rare work – a hybrid choral mass and bassoon concerto.  It is unclear who is accompanying whom, creating a remarkable and compelling listening experience.  A more detailed description of the work, along with a brief biography of the composer, may be found by visiting this link.

No tickets are necessary to attend.  For information on other musical programs at Shadyside Presbyterian Church, including the church’s Music in a Great Space concert series, call 412.682.4300, or visit www.shadysidepres.org.  

Shadyside Presbyterian Church is centrally located in the heart of Pittsburgh’s educational/cultural district, just a few blocks away from the campuses of the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie-Mellon University.  The church is situated on the corner of Amberson Avenue and Westminster Place, only one block off Fifth Avenue, at 5121 Westminster Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15232.