WASHINGTON, DC: November 7, 2017
The Synodal Cathedral Choir Will Perform in the Nation’s Capital on the 100th Anniversary of the Beginning of the Godless Persecutions

The Synodal Cathedral Choir of New York will perform a concert in Washington, DC, under the direction of Peter Fekula on November 8, 2017. The event is being held to mark a terrible date: the hundredth anniversary of the beginning of the Bolshevik Revolution and the epoch of godless persecution.

As a result of the usurpation of power by Lenin and his cohorts in October, 1917, churches and monasteries throughout Russia were closed and destroyed; at the same time, virtually all institutions relating to Russian Liturgical music were liquidated, including church choirs, schools and academies, including the renowned Synodal Church Music School.

Despite the persecution, the traditions of Church music continued to exist in the underground, the so-called “catacombs.” Composers, directors and singers who refused to submit to the dictates of the atheist regime were subjected to rebuke, threats and the loss of citizenship. Many lost their lives.

This concert will offer works by Alexander Gretchaninov, Pavel Chesnokov, Sergei Rachmaninov, Konstantin Shvedov, Dmitry Shostakovich and others who endured persecution, imprisonment and exile, and as in the case of Priest Mikhail Lisitsyn, even died for Christ.

Their music bears witness to the eternal power of art to transform mankind, and the indomitable human spirit. Listening to this music brings to mind those who suffered from communism, whether in Russia or other nations of our much-suffering world.

The event will be held at St Sophia Greek Orthodox Church in Washington, DC, at 6:30 pm. A reception will follow in the parish hall. Admission is free.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-of-russian-orthodox-sacred-music-tickets-39399182014