Sunday, 9/28, 3pm St Luke’s Cathedral, Portland
In celebration of the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi’s timeless Canticle of the Sun, St Mary Schola presents a radiant program of music inspired by nature, devotion, and the sacred harmony between the human and the divine. Centered around the world premiere of Canticle of the Sun—a powerful new work for choir, soloists, and historical instruments by director emeritus Bruce Fithian—this immersive concert invites audiences into a rich soundscape shaped by centuries of faith and wonder.
The concert begins with Liszt’s dramatic St. Francis of Paola Walking on the Waves for solo piano, echoing the saint’s miraculous relationship with nature. The journey continues with the earthy simplicity of 13th-century Franciscan laude from the Laudario di Cortona and expands through the expressive polyphony of Renaissance masters including Palestrina, Gesualdo, Dufay, and Landini.
Performed with luminous instruments and angelic voices, Nature’s Voice is more than a concert—it is a sonic tribute to a saint who saw divine light in all creation, from Brother Sun to Sister Moon. Join us for this luminous offering of sacred song, spiritual reflection, and musical beauty across the centuries.