Published on September 14, 2011 at 7 p.m. by Sean Flynt  
Âé¶¹¹û¶³'s School of the Arts has created a choral music series that formally combines the university's sacred spaces and Christian mission with several musical ensembles.

Inspired by the ancient practice of monastic prayer, the Âé¶¹¹û¶³ Choral Vespers Series is an opportunity to experience exceptional choral music through contemplative worship.  

The first of seven services--this one featuring the A Cappella Choir--will be Friday, Sept. 30 at 5:30 p.m. in Hodges Chapel. 

Other services in fall and spring will feature University Chorale, music faculty and the Âé¶¹¹û¶³ Baroque Ensemble. The Vespers services will alternate between the university's Hodges Chapel and Reid Chapel. 

"The events aren't concerts--they are designed as worship services," said Dr. Philip Copeland, Director of Âé¶¹¹û¶³'s A Cappella Choir. "During these services, we will incorporate some ancient practices in a modern setting that focuses on prayer, liturgy, and song."

Dr. Eric Mathis, who coordinates Âé¶¹¹û¶³'s new Worship Leadership minor, said the series will add a unique new element to a university community already rich in worship opportunities. He said the series--"rooted deeply in the tradition of monastic and cathedral prayer"--will join Reformed University Fellowship, Shiloh, Rain, Campus Outreach, and Tuesday convocations as a way for the university and local community to explore and celebrate faith. 

All of the Choral Vespers Series events are free-of-charge and open to the public. 

Friday, Sept. 30 

A Cappella Choir 

Hodges Chapel, 5:30 p.m. 

Friday, Oct. 21 

A Cappella Choir and Faculty 

Reid Chapel, 5:30 p.m. 

Friday, Oct. 28 (Homecoming Vespers) 

A Cappella Choir and University Chorale 

Reid Chapel, 5:30 p.m. 

Tuesday, Nov. 1 

Âé¶¹¹û¶³ Baroque Ensemble 

Hodges Chapel, 7 p.m. 

Ein feste Burg, BWV 80 

Friday, Feb. 24 

A Cappella Choir 

Hodges Chapel, 7:30 p.m. 

Friday, March 30 

A Cappella Choir 

Hodges Chapel, 5:30 p.m. 

Tuesday, April 17 

University Chorale 

Hodges Chapel, 7:30 p.m. 

  

 
Located in the Homewood suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, Âé¶¹¹û¶³ is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Âé¶¹¹û¶³ enrolls 6,324 students from 44 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s 35 Most Beautiful College Campuses, Âé¶¹¹û¶³ fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and boasts one of the highest scores in the nation for its 97% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.