FESTIVAL CELEBRATED HILDEGARD

AT DAYLESFORD ABBEY SEPT 18

The Daylesford Abbey and the Women’s Sacred Music Project celebrated Hildegard of Bingen’s Feast Day on Saturday, September 18, 2010 with speakers and choirs from both the Episcopal and Roman Catholic traditions. Speakers included Prior Andrew Ciferni of the Abbey, the Right Reverend Allen Bartlett, Retired Bishop of Pennsylvania, and Lisa Neufeld Thomas, editor of Voices Found, a new hymnal to be featured on the program.

The Massed Diocesan Choir of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania directed by Dr. Jay Fluellan, the Schola Cantorum of Old St. Joseph’s Church directed by Normand Gouin, and the Daylesford Abbey Choir directed by Dr. Ted Latham sang for this unique musical tribute to Hildegard.

Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) has become well known in recent years as excellent recordings of her music have brought her life and works to light. She is the first female composer of Church music. This event celebrated her Feast with a concert/hymn-sing of music by the Abbess herself, and also with songs from Voices Found and choral works by women composers.

Voices Found is a new hymnal supplement published by Church Publishing in New York City in 2003. It celebrates women in the Church’s song with music by, for, and about women. Much of the music on the Festival program is published in Voices Found. Those at the Hildegard Festival heard lively music in a wide variety of styles, from Native American chant to traditional folk melodies, as well as sparkling African American spirituals.