Promising Singers to Study and Present Early Sacred Music

A group of twenty talented, early-career singers will be participating in a week-long workshop that strengthens their understanding and performance of Baroque sacred music before the time of J.S. Bach. The Chorworks summer program at Duke University, June 19–25, is led by Dr. Philip Cave, conductor-in-residence at Duke Chapel, along with other distinguished faculty from the United States and United Kingdom.

During their time on campus, the Chorworks ensemble will sing in one worship service and two concerts, listed below. These performances include music by Heinrich Schütz—often described as the most important German composer before J.S. Bach—and his contemporaries, Johann Hermann Schein, Samuel Scheidt, Thomas Selle, and Andreas Hammerschmidt, together with music by J.C. and J.M. Bach.

All three events are free and open to the public. Parking is available on a first come, first served basis in the Bryan Center Parking Lot at 125 Science Drive. ADA parking is available in the Bryan Center Surface Lot at the same address.

In addition to the concerts and Sunday service, the progrom will host free lunchtime presentations Tuesday, June 20, through Friday, June 23, at 1:30 p.m. in the Divinity School's Goodson Chapel. Visitors are also welcome to drop in on the program's rehearsals, which will be held in Goodson Chapel on the mornings of June 20–23.

Smaller Sacred Works

Friday, June 23, at 7:30 p.m. in Goodson Chapel, Duke Divinity School

This concert focuses on smaller-scale works performed by faculty and students, one-voice-per-part with lute and organ continuo. The program is curated and introduced by Dr. Lex Silbiger, emeritus professor of musicology at Duke.

Sacred Symphonies

Saturday, June 24, at 7:30 p.m. in Duke Chapel

This program includes larger, concerted works featuring soloists, chorus, and an ensemble of period instruments, including sackbuts, cello, theorbo, organ, and harpsichord.

Sunday Morning Service

Sunday, June 25, at 11:00 a.m. in Duke Chapel

The faculty, participants, and players perform music at the Chapel’s morning service.

For more information, contact Dr. Philip Cave.