Special Ascension Day Choral Eucharist

Thursday May 1 is the holy day which marks the Ascension of Jesus into heaven. The combined Cathedral Choirs will be offering a very special Solemn Eucharist written especially for Ascension Day. The Messe Solonnelle by Louis Vierne was written for the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris and was completed in 1900, the year Vierne was appointed organist at Notre Dame. The piece was originally written to be played by two organists, one on the grand orgue in the back of the church and one on the smaller choir organ at the front of the church. The Mass at the Cathedral will also include the two organs in the church but both will be played by one organist from one console.

The anthem to be sung is Coelis ascendit hodie by Charles Villiers Stanford. This joyful anthem is written for double choirs. The two choirs echo each other. Organ music will include Alleluias sereins d'une ame qui desire le ciel from L'Ascension by Olivier Messiaen. This year is the centenary of Messiaen's birth (1908-1992). L'Ascension was originally written for orchestra and then arranged for organ by the composer.

The final piece will be Symphony no. 3 by Louis Vierne.

Everyone is invited to come and share this special holy day in the Christian year and be uplifted and inspired by the exceptional choral music being offered