MANSFIELD, PA— The Mansfield University Chamber Singers will present a program entitled “Tenebrae, A Service of Shadows” at the First Presbyterian
Church, 130 Main Street, in Wellsboro on Good Friday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public.
Tenebrae (Latin for “shadows” or “darkness”) is a Christian religious service dating back to early church history and is celebrated within Western Christianity on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday or Holy Saturday. This distinctive service of Tenebrae features the gradual extinguishing of candles while scripture readings describing the final days in Jesus’ life are recited. The music for this service is particularly expressive of Jesus’ sorrow, loneliness, and pain leading to the crucifixion.
The presentation, directed by Peggy Dettwiler, includes scripture readings and music about the betrayal of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter’s denial, Pilate’s accusation and the mockery at the Crucifixion. Scripture passages will be read by local pastors.
The 15-voice Chamber Singers will perform music by Mozart, Billings, Victoria, Stroope and Kenneth Dake, including hymns and spirituals.