[South Canaan, PA] - The Saint Tikhon Choir is pleased to announce the world premiere concert series of Benedict Sheehan’s modern masterwork Vespers at 7:30pm on November 12, 2022, at St. Stephen’s Pro-Cathedral in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Two-time GRAMMY®-nominated conductor and composer Benedict Sheehan will lead the professional choristers of Saint Tikhon’s in this unique and powerful musical exploration that has been called “luminous and uplifting” (Choir & Organ) and a work of “unique musical genius” (Fanfare Magazine).

This special world premiere concert event is being held in honor of His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, who this year celebrates his 10th anniversary as Metropolitan. To mark this historic occasion, Sheehan has composed a piece in honor of His Beatitude, and the work will be unveiled only at this special performance.

The concert will also feature solos by some of the country’s leading vocal artists, including celebrated American basso profundo Glenn Miller, who will perform “The Song of Simeon”, composed by Sheehan especially for him. The movement boasts some of the lowest notes ever written for a soloist.

Recorded at St. Stephen’s during the summer of 2021, Benedict Sheehan’s Vespers returns to the place where this “tapestry of sound that is nothing short of transcendent” (ConcertoNet) first found realization. Inspired by Rachmaninoff’s All-Night Vigil, Sheehan’s unique musical and linguistic expression expands the genre. He adorns full-length Psalms and hymns with a deep understanding of beauty, faith, and humanity.

For tickets and information, visit https://vespersdebut.bpt.me/