Just as the sun sets on Saturday, Feb. 2, The Raincross Chorale will offer an Evensong service inside the First Congregational Church, located at 3755 Lemon Street — across from the Mission Inn.
Steve Kester just before a recent Raincross Chorale concert.
The concert begins at 5:30 p.m and is one of many events for the 2013 Dickens Festival, with other demonstrations, diversions, shows, and spectacles based on the life and times of author Charles Dickens, all located downtown this year.
Cost is $10 for the concert. Tickets are available at the door.
The service of music and readings follows the tradition of the English Prayer Book of 1549, developed by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer (1489-1556). Especially important is the over-arching theme of peace and light.
“The Chorale performs some stunning church anthems, which reverberate so magnificently in the church,” said Steve Kester, who directs the 50-voice Raincross Chorale. “It is the perfect place to rest and contemplate the end of the day.”
Few people know that the Raincross Chorale is not just an accomplished singing group, but that it also has raised enough money to provide 32 college scholarships to young singers in Riverside. Each year, scholarship winners can come back and sing at the Spring concert.
“We have generous donors and fans who faithfully and joyfully support our mission,” Kester said.
Some of the altos get ready for a recent concert of the Raincross Chorale. Photo credit: Bob Sirotnik
The Raincross Chorale is reaching out through social media, with a YouTube channel and a facebook page.
To hear a sample of a concert from the Evensong of 2011,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Charles Dickens was born February 7, 1812 so this will be the 201st anniversary of his birth. For more details about the schedule of the fair, check out dickensfest.com.
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