Description

Chichester Psalms - by Leonard Bernstein
I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes - by Adolphus Hailstork
Psalm 126 "A Song of Ascents" - by Abbie Betinis
Psalm 131 - by Dr. Nathan Carter

The Seattle Choral Company concludes their 42nd season with “American Psalmfest” - a captivating selection of four distinct American compositions inspired by the Book of Psalms: Adolphus Hailstork's cantata “I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes”, Leonard Bernstein's iconic “Chichester Psalms”, Abbie Betinis' “Psalm 126: A Song of Ascents”, and Dr. Nathan Carter's “Psalm 131”.

Since its debut in 1965, Leonard Bernstein's “Chichester Psalms” has remained one of his most frequently performed concert works. Crafted during a conducting hiatus from the New York Philharmonic, Bernstein characterized it as "the most accessible, B-flat major-ish tonal piece I've ever written." Sung entirely in Hebrew, with vocal arrangements reminiscent of Christian church music, the work serves as a poignant call for peace in Israel during tumultuous times.

Adolphus Hailstork's “I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes” is a poignant three-movement cantata composed in 1997 for tenor soloist, chorus, and accompaniment, drawing inspiration from Psalms 121, 13, and 23. Dedicated to the memory of Undine Smith Moore, revered as the Dean of Black Women Composers, this piece resonates with profound emotional depth.

Noted Seattle tenor Stephen Rumph takes the spotlight as the featured soloist in Hailstork's moving cantata. Joining the SCC singers for the performance of Bernstein's “Chichester Psalms” will be soprano Rebekah Gilmore, countertenor Tyler Morse, tenor Stephen Rumph, baritone Charles Robert Stephens, and organist William Bryant, who all promise an unforgettable rendition of Bernstein's masterwork.

Ensemble Photos

Seattle Choral Company. The Seattle Choral Company is a Resident Artist at Saint Mark's Cathedral. Photo by Danielle Barnum.