Begin Holy Week with Stainer’s Crucifixion at Down Cathedral
On the Monday Evening of Holy Week, 26 March, Down Cathedral will be the venue for a performance of John Stainer’s famous piece, The Crucifixion. Over 130 years, old, Stainer’s Crucifixion is still sung regularly by choirs, and includes hymns sung by the whole congregation as well as haunting bass and tenor solos. The other piece sung on the evening will be Samuel Barber’s Agnus Dei.
The singers on Monday will be Cathedra, the combined choirs of Cadenza and Down Cathedral, and other friends, under the direction of Cathedral Organist Michael McCracken, with Stephen Hamill on the organ and soloists Mark Tilley and David Robertson.
Speaking about the performance, the Dean of Down, the Very Revd Henry Hull said, “I am delighted that this performance on the Monday of Holy Week has become an annual fixture in the Cathedral. In addition to being performances of a high standard, Michael McCracken always puts together a programme that is the perfect start to Holy Week and sets the tone for the journey we make to the cross during our Holy Week worship in the Lecale Area Mission Partnership. This event happens alongside other worship in the Partnership, and we hope to see many visitors in the Cathedral on Monday 26.”
The programme commences at 7.45 pm on Monday 26 March in Down Cathedral. The suggested donation is £10, which is payable at the door.
Holy Week and Easter Services at Down Cathedral
- 25 March, Palm Sunday: Morning Prayer at 11.30 am
- 29 March, Maunday Thursday: Holy Communion at 10.00 am
- 1 April, Easter Day: Baptism and Holy Communion at 11.30 am