From Darkness to Light – Houston Chamber Choir and Loop38

In 1638, Gregorio Allegri compose a setting of “Miserere Mei Deus” (Psalm 51) for the Sistine Chapel. The apocryphal story is that the Vatican allowed only three copies in existence, which were kept locked away for safe-keeping. Fast forward to 1764-65 when a young Mozart heard a performance of Allegri’s composition, went back to his inn, and copied it out from memory. Fast forward again to 1989 when Estonian composer Arvo Pärt set the same text. Pärt’s Miserere is described as one of his “most dramatic and contrasting pieces…” From these two pieces of darkness, we move to hope and light, working our way through a Latvian “Plaudite, Psallite” and some American spirituals, including Thomas Dorsey’s “Precious Lord”. We close with Erik Esenvalds’ beautiful setting of “Amazing Grace”. The Houston Chamber Choir is joined by the instrumental ensemble Loop38 in this concert exploring works centered around darkness and the light of hope. Founder Robert Simpson’s final concert as artistic director. Tickets at www.HoustonChamberChoir.org or 713-224-5566