Evensong

By Patricia E. Finger

On Sunday, November 11, the University of Louisville Consort, under the direction of Dr. Jack Ashworth, presented a program of Renaissance music at St. Matthews Episcopal Church, the second in a series of Evensong services. The University of Louisville Consort specializes in authentic performances of instrumental and choral music of this period in music history.

Taken from the 1604 Book of Common Prayer, the service featured a choir with instrumentalists playing original instruments such as viols, recorders, and lutes. The Book of Common Prayer is the worship book of the worldwide Anglican Communion, which includes the Episcopal Church of the U.S.A. Because the choir was the integral part of the service in 17th century England, most of the Evensong service was sung by the choir. Most churches today, however, use the choir more as an enrichment to the service. The opportunity to experience this program was especially significant not only for its historical contribution, but for the Anglican celebration of a rich heritage in worship.

The Evensong Series continues with a more contemporary approach when the choirs of St. Matthew's and St. Mark's combine on Sunday, December 2, at 7:00 p.m. Included will be an anthem using organ and harp and accompanied by liturgical dance. For more information, contact Stephen Black at St. Matthews Episcopal Church, (502) 895~2429,