St. Mary's Episcopal Church welcomes Luces Stellarum Nov. 10

By John Glaze
St. Mary's Episcopal Church

St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Hillsboro is pleased to present Luces Stellarum (Latin for "By the Starlight") for its Nov. 10 concert. 

Luces Stellarum is a vocal chamber ensemble based in Columbus, consisting of eight singers from central Ohio. Upon hearing the world-renowned King’s Singers in concert, this group was formed. 

Hillsboro’s Christopher Jacky, is a member of Luces Stellarum.

Luces Stellarum are advocates for choral music of any and all genres from all time periods in both the secular and sacred traditions. The ensemble consists of two sopranos, two countertenors, two tenors, and two bass-baritones. 

This arrangement of voice types produces an intimate yet full sound that can only be achieved with this many singers. Luces Stellarum is very excited to offer their music. The group loves performing choral repertoire ranging from early Baroque to Contemporary periods, and specialize in a cappella singing. 

A cappella (literally “in the style of the chapel”) is music performed by a singer or ensemble without instrumental accompaniment. The term was originally intended to differentiate between Renaissance polyphony and Baroque concertato styles. 

The sound of the human voices singing in harmonies displays the full and beautiful nature of the instrument – that of the ethereal high notes in the upper registers right down to the lowest, rumbling bass notes. Groups who sing this style of music must work hard to maintain their pitch – one of the difficulties of the genre to master. 

Singing in this style, however entertaining to the listener, is of supreme bliss to the musicians themselves. Following the renovations in the sanctuary of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, we found the acoustics vastly improved, as you will also discover listening to a cappella singing.

The program presented by Luces Stellarum, titled, “REAWAKENING,” will feature music from composers ranging from Josef Rheinberger, born in 1839, up to Connor Koppin, born in 1991. 

As always, Music at St. Mary's Concert Series is presented with no admission charge, to allow all the chance to experience the series. We gratefully accept donations to the program and depend upon these to support the expenses of bringing in out-of-town artists. 

The program will be Nov. 10 at 3 p.m. Parking is available on E. North Street as well as in front of the insurance agency beside the church, in addition to the church’s car park, located off the alley behind the church. There will be a reception in the Parish House following the concert.