The King's Counterpoint choral chamber ensemble Vox Regis presents Tenebrae - Darkness before the Dawn: a Candlelight Reflection of Music & Readings, including motets, anthems and chants for Good Friday.

Tenebrae is a Holy Week liturgy that symbolizes the "shadows" of Christ's Passion.

Whilst this will be an observance rather than a liturgical service, our program will recreate a traditional Tenebrae setting, beginning with the church lit by fifteen candles, extinguished one by one during the evening until only one, the white "Christ candle," remains. As the gathering concludes, this final candle is also extinguished to represent the darkness and desolation of the burial, followed by the strepitus - usually observed by a loud noise such as the slamming of a door, stamping or drumming - symbolizing the earthquake, the chaotic uproar of creation, and the closing of the tomb upon Christ's death. The Christ candle is then relit in anticipation of the Messiah’s resurrection.

The observance then ends in silence, with people leaving the church quietly and in peace.

This is a FREE ADMISSION presentation, and tickets are not required. Donations will be accepted at the event.