WNY Festival Chorus and St. Joseph’s University Choirs come together to present Tenebrae: A Service of Shadows

The Festival Chorus and St. Joseph’s University Parish Choir will unite to present “Tenebrae: A Service of Shadows” on Friday, April 11. The service will be held at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph’s University Parish located at 3269 Main St. in Buffalo. This candlelight service will be open to the public and a free will offering will be taken upon admission.

‘Tenebrae’ means “darkness” or “shadows.” The journey of Lent culminates in the examination of Jesus in his last hours, as well as the cruelties, suffering and ridicule he endures. The Tenebrae service includes readings describing these events coupled with moving choral selections such as “When Jesus Wept” and “When I Survey Thy Wondrous Cross.” After each reading a candle is extinguished, ultimately leaving the congregation in darkness awaiting Easter Light’s return.

Tom Rutter, talented pianist and organist will accompany the choirs, and Maria Chomicka will join them on organ. Both Rutter and Chomicka work regularly with both choirs, making this a natural collaboration. While the St. Joseph’s University choirs are made of parish members, the Festival Chorus is a choir of community members from a wide variety of backgrounds and religious beliefs, making this an ecumenical service.

Director Heather Lovelace is looking forward to the event. “I have always found the readings and music of Lent to be extremely moving,” said Lovelace. “I believe this service will be a culmination of emotions represented in Word, music, and the symbols of shadows and darkness.”

Lovelace has been a member of the Festival Chorus for 25 years and has served as director for the past 12 years. She is also the choir director at Depew High School and is currently serving as a music director at St. Joseph University Parish. She sees choral music as a vehicle for bringing messages of hope to the community and loves orchestrating creative programs that touch hearts. 

The Festival Chorus is a part of the Christian Foundation for the Performing Arts, a not-for-profit community choir. It will be celebrating its 40th year of excellence in music in the 2025-26 season. The members of CFPA and The Festival Chorus represent various churches, denominations, and communities in Erie and Niagara counties. Their repertoire consists of classical, sacred, contemporary sacred, patriotic, and Broadway show music. The Festival Chorus is available to minister through special music in worship services and concerts. 

For more information about The Festival Chorus, visit wnyfestivalchorus.org or call 716-531-8986.