“If there is a choral heaven, the 14 wonderfully polished and powerful singers of Tenebrae would be well equipped to supply its soundtrack.”—The Times
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 Sunday, March 15, at 7:00 p.m. in Hodgson Concert Hall. Join us for a free pre-performance talk by Theresa Chafin in Ramsey Concert Hall from 6:15-6:45 pm.
Under the direction of founder and conductor Nigel Short, Tenebrae has earned international acclaim for performances marked by dramatic expression, immaculate ensemble, 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 beautifully crafted sequence of a cappella choral works. The program opens with Gustav Holst’s evocative The Evening-Watch and moves through settings that reflect on life, death, and hope. Central to the performance is Joel Thompson’s 2021 A Prayer for Deliverance, a powerful and virtuosic setting of Psalm 13 written during the COVID pandemic that responds compassionately to the emotional landscape of our times.
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 gracefully between quiet reflection and radiant 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 it accolades including multiple BBC Music Magazine Awards, an Edison Klassik Award, and a Grammy nomination, as well as collaborations with some of the UK’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.
TICKETS
Securing tickets for these UGA Presents performances couldn’t be easier. There are three ways to choose from:
- Purchase tickets online 24/7 here.
- Call the Performing Arts Center Box Office at (706) 542-4400, Mon.-Fri., 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
- Visit the UGA Performing Arts Center Box Office, Mon.-Fri., 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (5 minute parking is available in the drop off circle at the Performing Arts Center for purchasing or picking up tickets.)
You may also create your own series of three or more performances (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.
(Photo: Sim Canetty-Clarke)
