Shadyside Presbyterian Church presents an Evening of Music and Readings on Good Friday, March 29, at 7:00 p.m. The service features composer Morten Lauridsen’s setting of Lux Aeterna (Eternal Light), presented by the church’s Chancel Choir and orchestra, under the direction of conductor Mark A. Anderson, Director of Music Ministry.

 

Shadyside Presbyterian Church welcomes the community to hear Lauridsen’s poignant composition, which lasts about half an hour in its entirety.  The work is divided into five movements – each fashioned on texts from several different Latin sources, including the requiem mass, and each containing a reference to Light.  On Good Friday evening at Shadyside, the movements will be punctuated by readings, homilies, and periods of silence to allow for individual contemplation.

 

Of his work, the American composer says, “Lux Aeterna – Eternal Light – is an intimate work of quiet serenity centered around a universal symbol of hope, reassurance, goodness, and illumination at all levels.”  Rich in chant-like melodies and sophisticated counterpoint, this modern requiem is heavily inspired by Renaissance musical literature.  A more detailed description of the work, along with a brief biography of the composer, may be found here. 

 

Worship is free and open to the public; no tickets are necessary to attend.  Additional information about Holy Week at Shadyside Presbyterian Church may be found by visiting www.shadysidepres.org/holy-week.  For information about 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 university 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.