James MacMillan (b. 1959) is the pre-eminent Scottish composer of his generation. His music combines rhythmic excitement, raw emotional power and spirituality. His choral music embraces sacred and secular, ancient and modern, meditative simplicity and rich ornamentation. MacMillan's faith is central to his creativity and informs much of his choral music, whether capturing a mood of medieval meditation or reaching towards a state of spiritual ecstasy or contemplative peace. His St. Luke Passion, written in 2013, is the second of four planned works, each based on one of the Gospels which aim to approach the differing passion accounts from contrasting stylistic perspectives. The St. Luke Passion is written for mixed chorus, children's chorus, orchestra and organ. The adult chorus assumes the roles of evangelist and persecutors in music that is often highly dramatic. The words of Jesus are sung by a children's chorus representing the innocence of Christ. The writing for the children is either in unison, symbolizing the oneness of Christ, or in three parts signifying the Holy Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Ghost. The piece is framed by a Prelude exploring the Annunciation to set the scene, and a Postlude that goes beyond the Crucifixion to the Resurrection and Ascension. Panelists will include Music Director David Hayes, Chief of the Music Division of the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts George Boziwick, and theologian Rev. Dr. Richard J. Dillon, Professor Emeritus of Theology, Fordham University.
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