Published on September 28, 2016 by Ashley Smith  
vespers

Samford University’s internationally renowned A Cappella Choir begins its 2016–17 Choral Vespers season Friday, Sept. 30 at 5:30 p.m. in Hodges Chapel. 

This will be the choir’s first public performance at Samford since winning the Grand Prix and other awards at the international choir festival Siauliai Cantat during a trip to the Baltics in May. 

Inspired by the practice of monastic prayer, the Samford Choral Vespers Series is an opportunity to experience exceptional choral music through contemplative worship. Now in its sixth year, this unique service features scripture, prayer, a short meditation and outstanding choral music that ranges from ancient chant to recently composed works. A Cappella Choir is a 36-member ensemble of committed students from a variety of disciplines and directed by Philip Copeland. 

According to Copeland, “This year’s programs will consist of substantive works spanning over 300 years.”  

The first vespers service features the noteworthy “Sanctus and Benedictus” from the Mass for Double Choir by French composer Frank Martin as well as smaller Renaissance works.  

The Nov. 4 All Saints service features Brahms’ famous “Warum” motet from Opus 74 while the Dec. 4 lessons and carols service will be built around Vivaldi’s well-known Gloria.  

Each service begins at 5:30 p.m. Admission is free.  

 
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 5,791 students from 49 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.