Concora Offers Wondrous Choral Rachmaninoff Piece

Most classical music fans know Rachmaninoff for his piano music. But the great Russian composer also produced a wondrous piece of choral music, an a cappella setting of the Vespers known as The All Night Vigil.

Sunday at 5 p.m. the professional choral group from New Britain, Conn., Concora, will be performing the Rachmaninoff at St. Mary Church on Broadway. And for choral music fans, this should be a treat.

Concora was in town a couple of years ago with a program of mixed repertoire pertaining to the life and teachings of St. Francis to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Franciscan Friars working in Providence. St. Mary was taken over by the Franciscans a few years ago.

Now, church music director Brother Kevin McGoff, who is also a member of Concora, is bringing back the group as part of the St. Mary performing arts series. Concora just last weekend performed the Rachmaninoff in Hartford.

One way of revitalizing the struggling parish has been through music and the arts, said Brother Kevin. The church holds about four events a year.

Even though it’s called All Night Vigil, the Vespers does not run into the wee hours. It’s only about an hour’s worth of music. But what music. It’s lush, glorious stuff.

About 38 singers will be on hand for the concert, said Brother Kevin, which is small by community chorus standards, but not so much so for a professional group like Concora.

St. Mary is at 538 Broadway, Providence. Tickets are available at the door and cost $20, $10 for students and seniors. Call (401) 274- 3434.

The Concora choral group from New Britain, Conn., will perform Sunday evening at St. Mary Church on Broadway.

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