Upcoming Events
Services of Advent Lessons & Carols
with Gloriæ Dei Cantores
November 29 & 30, 2024, 4:30 PM
Also Livestreamed Saturday, Nov. 30
Church of the Transfiguration
5 Bay View Drive, Orleans, MA
Embrace the spirit of the season with candlelit services of Advent Lessons and Carols. Experience uplifting readings, prayers, and carols performed by Gloriæ Dei Cantores at the Church of the Transfiguration—a cherished tradition for over thirty years. Join us in celebrating hope and joy this Advent season. Doors will open one hour before the service; no tickets required. Learn more at communityofjesus.org.
Introit O Emmanuel, Ešenvalds
Hymn Comfort, Comfort Ye My People
Promise
The Wise Men and the Star, Tarney
Shepherd’s Pipe Carol, Rutter
O magnum mysterium, Lauridsen
Hymn Come, Thou Long-expected Jesus
Faith
Come, Thou Redeemer of the Earth, arr. Willcocks
What Child is This?, arr. Willcocks
Wexford Carol, arr. Hagenberg
Hymn O Come, All Ye Faithful
Hope
Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, arr. Willcocks
In the Bleak Midwinter, Ešenvalds
What Sweeter Music, Rutter
Hymn Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Annual Carol Sing
December 23, 2024, 3:00 PM
Performing Arts Center
Brewster, MA
During the darkest time of the year, let’s come together to celebrate the Light and Joy of Christmas at the Annual Carol Sing, held at the beautiful new Performing Arts Center in Brewster! Bring the whole family to enjoy a delightful mix of traditional and modern carols with ensembles of Arts Empowering Life, join in singing your favorites, and make lasting new Christmas memories. Refreshments provided; Free admission for all!
Recent Events
Veterans Concert: Dona Nobis Pacem
Friday and Saturday, Nov. 8 & 9 7:30 PM
Church of the Transfiguration
Rock Harbor, Orleans, MA
Experience a powerful performance by world renowned Gloriæ Dei Cantores and orchestra to commemorate Veterans Day and express our gratitude for the sacrifices of veterans worldwide. This concert, conducted by Richard K. Pugsley at the Church of the Transfiguration in Orleans, features captivating works by the composer Ēriks Ešenvalds, including The Heavenly Flock and The Earthly Rose. Additionally, the concert will showcase two hauntingly beautiful pieces for chorus and orchestra by British composers: Gerald Finzi’s Lo, the Full Final Sacrifice, and Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem, a moving plea for peace reflecting on the aftermath of World War I and the looming threat of World War II.
We are pleased to offer free tickets to this concert for veterans, students, and youth. Join us in honoring those who have served.
Feast of the Transfiguration
Sunday, August 4, 10 AM
Church of the Transfiguration
Rock Harbor, Orleans
Service Music includes Missa Brevis in G (Rheinberger), The Eyes of All (Berger), and Ešenvalds’ Trinity Te Deum.
GLORIÆ DEI CANTORES LENTEN CONCERT
Thou Hearest Me!
Works By Byrd, Palestrina, Pärt & Ešenvalds
Friday and Saturday, March 8 & 9, 2024, 7:30 PM
Church of the Transfiguration
Rock Harbor, Orleans, MA
Arts & Entertainment Lecture
95 Years of Music to Speak to Our Time
Building Bridges through Music
Saturday, January 13, 2024, 3:30 PM
Presented by Dr. Samuel Adler
Dr. Samuel Adler is one of the greatest living composers and conductors of our time. A legendary risk-taker with over 400 published works – he taught for sixty-three years at Juilliard, and Eastman, and has given masterclasses and workshops at over 300 universities world-wide. His recent album, sung by world-renowned Gloriae Dei Cantores won The American Prize, and he has received numerous awards including ASCAP’s “Aaron Copland Lifetime Achievement Award.”
He presents “95 Years of Music to Speak to Our Time” and shares his amazing life experiences and brilliant musicianship at the Premiere Season of the NEW Arts & Entertainment Lecture Series. At age ten Samuel Adler narrowly escaped Nazi Germany during Kristallnacht, the “night of broken glass.” At age ninety-five, he continues to compose and speak, sharing his prolific musical gifts.
Annual Carol Sing
December 23, 2023
Performing Arts Building
95 Southern Eagle Cartway, Brewster, MA
Celebrate the joy of Christmas with our annual festive Carol Sing at the newly completed “state-of-the-art” Performing Arts Building (95 Southern Eagle Cartway) in Brewster, MA. Bring the whole family to hear stunning carols performed by ensembles of Arts Empowering Life, and join in on favorites like Angels we have heard on high, Joy to the World, and Go Tell it on the Mountain!
For more information, call 508-240-2400
Handel’s Messiah, Christmas Portion
December 15 & 16, 2023, 7:30 PM
Church of the Transfiguration
Rock Harbor, Orleans, MA
Gloriæ Dei Cantores invites you to hear Handel’s Messiah, the Christmas portion, performed under the baton of Richard K. Pugsley with orchestra and internationally acclaimed guest soloists. Composed in less than twenty-four days, this is perhaps the most enduring choral work of all time and shares the Light of the World during the darkest time of the year. In this rendition, hear some of the rarely performed—and some the very original—variations of movements that Handel wrote for this oratorio including “Rejoice Greatly,” “He Shall Feed his flock,“ and “Come unto Him.” The concert will be performed at the Church of the Transfiguration, “an architectural wonder” (Cape Cod Travel Guide) filled with fresco, mosaic, stone carving, bronze and glass work by local and international artists depicting the story of Salvation. Tickets are FREE for students and youth under 18 and under.
Tickets: 508-240-2400
SERVICE OF ADVENT LESSONS & CAROLS
Friday & Saturday, December 1 & 2, 2023, 4:30 PM
Experience the hope of the season with candle-lit services of Advent Lessons and Carols, a beloved tradition for over thirty years. Hear readings, prayers, and carols sung by Gloriæ Dei Cantores at the Church of the Transfiguration. All are welcome — no tickets required. The service will also be livestreamed on Saturday, Dec. 2.
For more information, call 508-240-2400.
Gloriæ Dei Cantores Auditions for Handel’s Messiah Christmas Portion
Saturday, October 14, 12-3 PM
Gloriae Dei Cantores is holding auditions for the Christmas portion of Messiah to be sung December 15 & 16.
Auditions will be held on Saturday October 14 at the Performing Arts Center in Brewster (95 Southern Eagle Cartway) from 12-3 PM, with rehearsals beginning on Tuesday evening, October 17, from 7-9 PM
If you would like to audition, please prepare a solo of any type, as well as the Christmas portion chorus parts appropriate to your voice. An accompanist will be provided for you.
If you have any questions, please contact Paul Tingley at paul [at] artsempoweringlife [dot] org.
Transfiguration Concerts
August 4 & 5, 7:30 PM
Church of the Transfiguration
Join us for a Summer Celebratory Concert of stunning classical favorites in the amazing acoustic of the Church of the Transfiguration in Orleans. Under the baton of Richard K. Pugsley, the world renowned choir Gloriæ Dei Cantores with brass ensemble, orchestra, and guest soloist, offer a glorious program including John Rutter’s “Gloria,” “All things Bright and Beautiful,” and “For the Beauty of the Earth,” Mozart’s “Exsultate, Jubilate,” Elgar’s “Nimrod from Enigma Variations,” Karl Jenkin’s “Benedictus” from “The Armed Man” and Holst’s “Two Psalms” for choir and orchestra. The church is “an architectural wonder” (Cape Cod Travel Guide) filled with fresco, mosaic, glass work and sculpture by local and international artists. Make this concert a resplendent highlight of your summer! Tickets are selling now. As always, tickets are free for students and youth.
Independence Day Service
A Sacred Recollection: Revival of the Revolutionary Heart
A Service of Remembrance, Prayer, and Praise
July 4, 2023, 7:30 PM
Celebrate the 4th of July at a service honoring Independence Day with reflections on God’s guiding hand over America’s founding and history, and music by Gloriæ Dei Cantores and other ensembles of Arts Empowering Life at the Church of the Transfiguration, Rock Harbor, Orleans.
No Tickets Required.
GLORIÆ DEI CANTORES ASCENSION CONCERT
May 19 & 20, 2023, 7:30 PM
Also livestreamed on May 20
Church of the Transfiguration
Rock Harbor, Orleans, MA
Be transported by “expert renditions of Gregorian chant” (NY Times), and celebratory works by Britten, Brahms, Finzi, Gabrieli, Mozart, Purcell, and Vaughan Williams, accompanied by handbells, brass ensemble, and the surround sound St. Cecilia Organ.
Gregorian Chant Retreat
April 27 – May 1, 2023
Community of Jesus, Orleans, MA
Experience the Gregorian chants of the Easter season. Participate in singing the Liturgy of the Hours at the Church of the Transfiguration, a basilican-style church filled with frescoes, mosaics, glasswork, stone carvings, and other works of art by local and international artists. Surrounded by beauty, retreatants will study together and enjoy opportunities for refreshment at this monastery that overlooks Cape Cod Bay. Chant basics and history will be offered, and all meals and accommodations are included.
GLORIÆ DEI CANTORES LENTEN CONCERT
March 25, 2023
In-Person and Livestreamed
Church of the Transfiguration
Rock Harbor, Orleans, MA
Exultate Justi
Gloriæ Dei Cantores in Concert: Renaissance Masters
February 11, 2023, 3:30 PM
In-Person and Livestreamed
Church of the Transfiguration
Rock Harbor, Orleans, MA
Be immersed in the sacred sounds of the Renaissance from masters including Palestrina, des Prez, and Taverner.
Tickets: 508-240-2400 or Purchase online here
FREE tickets for students and youth 18 & under.
Epiphany Evensong
Saturday, January 7, 2023, 5:00 p.m
Join Gloriæ Dei Cantores and members of the Gaudete Baroque Ensemble for a special Epiphany Choral Evensong at the Church of the Transfiguration, Rock Harbor, Orleans, featuring J. S. Bach’s cantata, Schwingt freudig euch empor, BWV 36. The service will be both in-person and livestreamed. No tickets are required.
For more information, call 508-240-2400.
Carol Sing with ensembles of Arts Empowering Life
Friday, December 23, 3:00 p.m
Celebrate the joy of Christmas with a festive Carol Sing at the newly completed “state-of-the-art” Performing Arts Building (95 Southern Eagle Cartway) in Brewster, MA on December 23 at 3:00 p.m.—FREE for all ages! Bring the whole family to hear stunning carols by world-renowned Gloriæ Dei Cantores, the Wind Ensemble, Chara Percussion, brass, and join in on favorite carols like Angels we have heard on high, Joy to the World, and Go Tell it on the Mountain. Refreshments for all!
For more information, call 508-240-2400
Services of Advent Lessons & Carols
Friday & Saturday, November 25 & 26, 2022, 4:30 p.m.
Service was also livestreamed on Saturday, Nov. 26
Gloriæ Dei Cantores celebrated the hope of the season with candle-lit services of Advent Lessons and Carols with readings, prayers, and carols at the Church of the Transfiguration—a beloved tradition for over thirty years. The service was also livestreamed with an extended Organ prelude.
VETERANS’ DAY CONCERT: SACRED HONOR
November 11 & 12, 2022, 7:30 p.m.
Also Livestreamed Saturday, Nov. 12
Arts Empowering Life presented “Sacred Honor” featuring John Rutter’s Gloria and Gerald Finzi’s Requiem da Camera in commemoration of Veterans Day. Performed by Gloriæ Dei Cantores with orchestra and brass ensemble, and the Wind Ensemble at the Church of the Transfiguration, Rock Harbor, Orleans, this concert honored the lives of Veterans and paid respect to warriors throughout the ages who have answered the call of sacrifice. The concert benefited the Wounded Warrior Project and offered free admission for Veterans.
Gloriæ Dei Cantores in Concert:
Honoring St. Michael & All Angels
Friday, September 30, 2022, 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate St. Michael & the great host of angels who aid us on earth as messengers, protectors, guardians, and helpers, portrayed through the music of Gabrieli, Tchaikovsky, Harris, Howells, and Britten. The concert will be both in-person and livestreamed from the Church of the Transfiguration, Rock Harbor, Orleans, MA.
God & Country Concert
Saturday, July 2, 2022, 7:30 p.m.
Gloriæ Dei Cantores performed a concert titled God & Country, on July 4th weekend, in-person and livestreamed from the Church of the Transfiguration, Rock Harbor, Orleans, MA. The concert featured works by American composers including Copland, Thomson, Parker, Wilhousky, Adler, and Ives. It was a joyful celebration of the sacred sounds of America with music that has lofted through rafters across the country since its founding, and continues to bring comfort and strength to its people today.
Pentecost Choral Evensong
Saturday, June 4, 5:15 p.m.
Gloriæ Dei Cantores sang Pentecost Choral Evensong in-person and livestreamed from the Church of the Transfiguration, Rock Harbor, Orleans. The choir sang Jubliate Deo, Palestrina; Preces & Responses—Westminster Abbey, Buonemani; Collegium Magdalenæ Oxoniense Magnificat & Nunc Dimittis, Leighton; The Old Hundredth Psalm Tune, by R. V. Williams.
Ascension Choral Evensong
Saturday, May 28, 5:15 p.m.
Gloriæ Dei Cantores sang Ascension Choral Evensong at the Church of the Transfiguration. The service was in-person and livestreamed. The choir sang O Rex Gloriæ, Marenzio; Zion Manuscript Preces & Responses, Hale; Magnificat & Nunc Dimittis, Ešenvalds; Faire is the Heaven, Harris.
Handel’s Messiah
April 15 & 16, 2022, 7:30 p.m.
April 17, 2022, 3:00 p.m.
Gloriæ Dei Cantores presented Handel’s Messiah, Parts II & III at the Church of the Transfiguration. The work was performed in three parts over three days—the first half of Part II on Good Friday, April 15, all of Part II on Holy Saturday, April 16, and Part III on Easter Sunday, April 17. These concerts were the culmination of Arts Empowering Life’s Lenten Concert Series that was both public & livestreamed.
Lenten Concerts (In-Person & Livestreamed)
Members of Gloriæ Dei Cantores performed choral chamber concerts at the Church of the Transfiguration, Rock Harbor, Orleans, MA on March 5, 12, 26 & April 2, 2022. The concerts included works by Tallis, Casals, Copland, Ešenvalds, Rubbra, Bairstow, Liszt, Palestrina, Poulenc, Byrd, Lassus, Bruckner, Pärt, and Parker. These concerts are part of Arts Empowering Life’s ongoing Lenten Concert Series that are both in-person & livestreamed.