From the “Nun on the Drums” to the lyrical strains of violins, from exquisite Gregorian chant to original compositions, 40 Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles will come together from all parts of the Southland Feb. 19, to present “The Carmelite Sisters in Concert: Seasons of the Soul.”
The 7 p.m. fundraising concert at San Gabriel Mission Playhouse is designed to be an inspiring and hope-filled musical journey in step with all the seasons of the soul on life’s path on its way home to God. The exquisite harmonies of the Sisters promise to move and lift your spirit heavenward in what promises to be a most unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime evening.
“We want this evening to be an uplifting time of hope,” said Mother Regina Marie, Carmelite Superior General. “The Carmelite Sisters love music and our lives are filled with music — chanting the psalms three times a day, composing, singing together and playing instruments. Because music can reach deeply into both heart and soul, the concert will have an inspirational and prayerful tone, coupled with moments of playful fun.”
The concert will benefit the mission of the Carmelite Sisters from California to Florida in education, healthcare and retreats.
“The unifying theme for the concert is hope,” said Mother Regina Marie. “As the saying goes, ‘It is always darkest before the dawn.’ Our concert takes you from the dark night of the soul to the dawn of resurrection. It sings about the journeys of life from fearful, uncertain steps to the joyful confidence of walking in God’s light.”
Joining Carmelite Sister Marie Estelle in directing the concert is James Drollinger, a 10-year member of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, who received a Grammy nomination for his duet recording of Morton Lauridsen’s Dirait-on on the CD “Northwest Journey.” Drollinger directs the acclaimed Legacy Vocal Ensemble and is also director of music and liturgy at St. Charles Borromeo Church in North Hollywood and St. Jerome Church in Los Angeles.
In addition, said Mother Regina Marie, the Carmelite Sisters are grateful for the support of Studio City Sound, a full-service recording studio owned and operated by Grammy Award winning mixer Tom Weir. Studio City Sound has recorded all of the CDs of the Carmelite Sisters.
San Gabriel Mission Playhouse is at 320 S. Mission Drive, San Gabriel. For tickets ($40-$100), visit www.carmelitesistersocd.com/events or call (626) 289-1353. To view the online clip for a preview of the concert, visit http://www.carmelitesistersocd.com.
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