By Ryan Blessing
The voices of the Norwich Diocesan Choir echoed through the Cathedral of St. Patrick and candlelight washed over the faces of those present during the annual concert and Compline on Sunday, November 17th.
The concert and Compline were organized under the supervision of new music director Michael Lianos, who conducted the choir in the cathedral loft. Michael McCarthy was the organist for the concert. “Where charity and love are, God is there,” is the translation of the Latin verse, “Ubi Caritas et amor, Deus ibi est,” the first line sung by the choir.
Featured selections included “Lift Up Your Heads, O Ye Gates” by William Matthias, “Lord for Thy Tender Mercies’ Sake” by Richard Farrant and Psalm 150, as well as “Ave Verum” and “Ave Maria.”
The program proceeded with the Compline, then followed by the performance of the rite of Penitential Act, “Kyrie,” a hymn, and the psalmody, a singing of the Psalms. Attendees held their lit candles and sang in unison.
From the altar the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D, Bishop of Norwich, read the Word of God, Revelation 22:4-5. The Psalmody and Gospel Canticle featured antiphons, or short sacred chants, such as “Night holds no terrors for me sleeping under God’s wings.”