UGA Presents continues its 30th anniversary with a stirring choral concert by the internationally celebrated British ensemble Tenebrae.
The performance of “A Prayer for Deliverance” takes place March 15 at 7 p.m. in Hodgson Concert Hall. It follows a free pre-performance talk by Theresa Chafin in Ramsey Concert Hall from 6:15-6:45 p.m.
Under the direction of founder and conductor Nigel Short, Tenebrae has earned international acclaim for performances marked by dramatic expression, immaculate ensembles and deep emotional insight. The choir’s repertoire bridges centuries of choral tradition, from Renaissance masterpieces to bold contemporary compositions, and has been heard at major concert halls and festivals worldwide.
“A Prayer for Deliverance” explores the human longing for peace, comfort and meaning through a sequence of a cappella choral works. The program opens with Gustav Holst’s “The Evening-Watch” and moves through settings that reflect on life, death and hope. Central to the performance is Atlanta composer Joel Thompson’s 2021 “A Prayer for Deliverance,” a powerful and virtuosic setting of Psalm 13 written during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A highlight of the concert is John Tavener’s “Song for Athene,” one of the most revered choral pieces of the late 20th century. Composed in 1993, the work blends text from the Eastern Orthodox funeral service with lines from Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” creating a haunting and deeply spiritual meditation on mortality and transcendence. Although written in tribute to a family friend, the piece achieved worldwide recognition when it concluded the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997, bringing its plea for peace and angelic flight to a global audience.
The program, which is supported by Charles B. and Lynne V. Knapp, also includes music by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Herbert Howells, Cecilia McDowall, Francis Pott, William Harris and Pulitzer Prize-winner Caroline Shaw, each contributing to a narrative arc that moves between quiet reflection and affirmation.
Tenebrae’s performance will feature a roster of gifted singers whose artistry brings each work’s emotional and spiritual contours to life. The ensemble’s commitment to excellence has earned accolades including multiple BBC Music Magazine Awards, an Edison Klassik Award and a Grammy nomination, as well as collaborations with some of the United Kingdom’s leading orchestras and involvement in major recording projects. The choir’s expressive singing has even reached global audiences via film soundtracks including “Avatar: The Way of Water.”
Three ways to get tickets
- Purchase tickets online at pac.uga.edu.
- Call the Performing Arts Center box office at 706-542-4400, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Visit the UGA Performing Arts Center box office, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Five-minute parking is available in the drop off circle at the Performing Arts Center for purchasing or picking up tickets.)
Audience members can create their own series of three or more performances for 10% off. UGA Presents single tickets start at just $30 with promo code PAC30, and UGA student tickets are $15.
Information about accessibility and venue amenities is available on the PAC website. Parking is free.
To learn more about all UGA Performing Arts Center events, visit pac.uga.edu.