Posted by Sean Flynt on 2011-10-03

The first event of Samford's new Choral Vespers Series filled Hodges Chapel Friday, Sept. 30, as the university celebrated its annual Family Weekend. The A Cappella Choir entered slowly from the rear of the chapel as they performed Ford and McGregor's 'Phos hilaron,' setting the tone for a musically rich sacred event modeled on the Evening Prayer of the Presbyterian Church of the U.S.A.'s Book of Common Worship

Inspired by the ancient practice of monastic prayer, the new Samford Choral Vespers Series is an opportunity to experience exceptional choral music through contemplative worship. In practice Friday night this meant the choir performances alternated with hymns, Bible lessons, a meditation and other elements that distinguished the event as corporate worship rather than a concert.

School of the Arts professor Eric Mathis and Hodges Chapel Curator Vickie Gaston led the spoken worship. School of the Arts professor Philip Copeland led the choir.

Other services in fall and spring will feature University Chorale, music faculty and the Samford Baroque Ensemble. The Vespers services will alternate between the university's Hodges Chapel and Reid Chapel.

All of the Choral Vespers Series events are free-of-charge and open to the public.

Friday, Oct. 21    A Cappella Choir and Faculty    Reid Chapel, 5:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 28 (Homecoming Vespers)    A Cappella Choir and University Chorale    Reid Chapel, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 1    Samford Baroque Ensemble    Hodges Chapel, 7 p.m.    Ein feste Burg, BWV 80

Friday, Feb. 24    A Cappella Choir    Hodges Chapel, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, March 30    A Cappella Choir    Hodges Chapel, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 17    University Chorale    Hodges Chapel, 7:30 p.m.

 

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.