Posted by Sean Flynt on 2011-09-15
Â鶹ÊÓƵ's School of the Arts has created a choral music series that formally combines the university's sacred spaces and Christian mission with several musical ensembles.

Inspired by the ancient practice of monastic prayer, the Samford Choral Vespers Series is an opportunity to experience exceptional choral music through contemplative worship. Ìý

The first of seven services--this one featuring the A Cappella Choir--will be Friday, Sept. 30 at 5:30 p.m. in Hodges Chapel.Ìý

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

"The events aren't concerts--they are designed as worship services," said Dr. Philip Copeland, Director of Samford's A Cappella Choir.Ìý"During these services, we will incorporate some ancient practices in a modern setting that focuses on prayer, liturgy, and song."

Dr. Eric Mathis, who coordinates Samford's new Worship Leadership minor, said the series will add a unique new element to a university community already rich in worship opportunities. He said the series--"rooted deeply in the tradition of monastic and cathedral prayer"--will join Reformed Â鶹ÊÓƵ Fellowship, Shiloh, Rain, Campus Outreach, and Tuesday convocations as a way for the university and local community to explore and celebrate faith.Ìý

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

Friday, Sept. 30Ìý

A Cappella ChoirÌý

Hodges Chapel, 5:30 p.m.Ìý

Friday, Oct. 21Ìý

A Cappella Choir and FacultyÌý

Reid Chapel, 5:30 p.m.Ìý

Friday, Oct. 28 (Homecoming Vespers)Ìý

A Cappella Choir and Â鶹ÊÓƵ ChoraleÌý

Reid Chapel, 5:30 p.m.Ìý

Tuesday, Nov. 1Ìý

Samford Baroque EnsembleÌý

Hodges Chapel, 7 p.m.Ìý

Ein feste Burg, BWV 80Ìý

Friday, Feb. 24Ìý

A Cappella ChoirÌý

Hodges Chapel, 7:30 p.m.Ìý

Friday, March 30Ìý

A Cappella ChoirÌý

Hodges Chapel, 5:30 p.m.Ìý

Tuesday, April 17Ìý

Â鶹ÊÓƵ ChoraleÌý

Hodges Chapel, 7:30 p.m.Ìý

ÌýÌý

 
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 with the second highest score in the nation for its 98% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.