In February 2020 there is an inspiring possibility in Kansas City for singers and worshippers, and musicologists to experience the latest developments in Gregorian Chant performance scholarship in both an educational and liturgical context with the singers of Te Deum, St. Mary’s, and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, all led by Professor Eugeen Liven d’Abelardo.

SCHEDULE:
Saturday, Feb 15: @ Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (pictured above)
– 4:00pm Public presentation on the History and Practice of Gregorian Chant
– 5:15-7:00pm: Gregorian Chant MASTERCLASS for Singers

Sunday, Feb 16: @ Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
– 3:00pm REHEARSAL for singers (men & women)
– 5:00pm Public SUNDAY VESPERS (men)

Sunday, Feb 16 @ St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
– 6:00pm Fellowship dinner for participating singers
– 7:00pm COMPLINE (women)

THE MATERIAL:
– The Lecture presentation upon the origins and historical practice of Gregorian chant is suitable for anyone with an interest in the topic.
– The combination of Masterclass and subsequent sung offices of Vespers and Compline is designed for singers to apply the fluid vocal expression indicated by the original neums to the sacred Latin texts. Professor d’Abelardo brings his conducting experience to vocally interpret the four-line “Solemnes” notation of the Liber Usualis, informed by the original semiological sources when possible, (often printed above the line as in the Graduale Triplex and the new Graduale Novum, recently published by Professor d’Abelardo’s colleagues at the Vatican.)

THE TEACHER: For the last thirty years, Eugeen Liven d’Abelardo (professor at the Universities of Graz and Trondheim) has put into vocal practice the groundbreaking work of preëminent chant musicologist, Frater Cornelius Pouderoijen (OSB, professor at the University of Vienna), especially upon the seminal 10thC Hartker Antiphonary, through recordings and liturgical offices with his professional chant ensemble, Hartkeriana, who recently recorded the complete psalmody. www.psalmchant.com

A leading conductor of chant today, Professor d’Abelardo had a successful international career as an orchestral and opera conductor before returning to Gregorian chant. He has interwoven his practical musical experience with musicological research to develop the currently accepted performance practice with his colleague Dr. Franz Karl Praßl (professor at the Papal Institute of Sacred Music in the Vatican and the University of Graz).

LOCAL SINGERS: (not affiliated with sponsoring choirs) the cost for the weekend is $40.
(Includes music packet, lecture, and masterclass on Saturday, and participation in Vespers or Compline and fellowship dinner between on Sunday.)

VISITORS TO KC: We would be delighted to welcome chant enthusiasts to our fair city. If you have your own accommodations just register the same as local singers.
If you would like accommodations that would immerse yourself in the chant weekend more deeply, options are described and registration is available on this form.