06/27/2009: "Gregorian Chant Sat In FH"

Schola Antiquae Vocis, a female "a capella" choir directed by Renato Chiera, will bring its concert program of Gregorian chant to St. David’s Episcopal Church in Friday Harbor on Saturday, June 27 at 8:00 PM.

The music will be performed in Latin to perpetuate ancient musical tradition. The suggested donation for adults is $10. Youth under the age of 18 are welcome to attend for free.

Schola Antiquae Vocis includes women from Skagit, and Whatcom counties and from every walk of life: nurses, dental hygienists, espresso bean roasters, hospice caregivers, counselors, teachers and self employed. They share a common love for this ancient music and have formed a bond with one another while learning to sing it. Through study and striving for musical excellence, they wish to share the beauty and meditative qualities of Gregorian chant, which is known to promote spiritual healing and inner peace.

Renato Chiera studied music in Rome at the Roman Philharmonic Academy, and was a member of the Choir of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican where he often sang as a soloist for Masses and Vespers. He has performed concerts of Gregorian chant in many American cities. From 1996 to 2001, he worked at Our Lady of the Rock Priory on Shaw Island before moving to the mainland and directing Schola Antiquae Vocis.

For more info, please visit the Schola’s web site at www.savocis.org or call St. David’s at (360) 378-5360.