Rev. 11/25/06 Visitor No. ADVENT VESPERS Sunday, December 10 at 7:30 pm While this is the 250th birthday of Mozart - reason enough to select one of his masterpieces for Advent Vespers at First Presbyterian, the lyrics chosen by Mozart for his Dominican Vespers (Vesperae de Dominica) are singularly appropriate for Advent, as we approach a more significant birthday (sorry Wolfgang). In six movements, the first five derived from Psalms 109, 110, 111, 112 and 116 (Latin Vulgate numbering) - whose words presaged the arrival of a messiah, who would overthrow the powerful (deposuit potentes), raise up the needy (exaltavit humiles) and sit at the right hand of God (Sede a dextris). A little child would become "A priest forever, according to the order of Melchisedek." Each movement is characterized by powerful arias delivered by First Presbyterian's solo voices, which draw the listener in, then tie together the choral passages. The fifth movement "Laudate Dominum" will test the non-stop talents of soprano Deborah Rocco. The sixth movement (Magnificat anima mea) explodes with Luke's Gospel account of Mary's rejoicing at the sacred life stirring within her. While the Latin lyrics are obscure to most 21st century listeners (and the choir), Mozart kindly appended a Gloria Patri to the five choral movements (in case you want to sing along), with a healthy dose of Amens at the end of the sixth movement (Magnificat), to rouse you from your reverie. Soloists include Deborah Rocco, soprano, Fiona McKinney, alto, Paul D'Arcy, tenor, and Alan Kirk, bass. In addition, the orchestra will play two Symphonies de Noel by Michel-Richard de Lalande. All this is under the direction of Victor Klimash, conductor, ably abetted by Nancy Frank, organist. Join us Sunday evening, December 10 at 7:30 pm, as the Chancel Choir and First Presbyterian Orchestra send forth bright sounds on a dark night.