Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 999 Brotherhood Way, San Francisco, CA 94132

cappella Romana+ john michael boyer Long before gift-giving and reindeer, there was St. Nicholas of Myra—the 4th-century bishop whose deep compassion made him one of Christianity’s most beloved saints. Patron of children, sailors, the wrongly accused, and countless others, the real St. Nicholas is celebrated throughout the world, East and West. From the medieval West, we’ll sing the remarkable isometric motet O Gemma lux by Guillaume Dufay, shown here. From the Byzantine tradition an exquisite Kalophonic (“beautiful sounding”) chant for his feast day by Manuel Chrysaphes (15th c.). We finish with Arvo Pärt’s “O Holy Saint Nicholas,” featured on Cappella Romana’s acclaimed recording Odes of Repentance, a contemporary meditation that bridges ancient tradition and modern spirituality. Program Guillame Dufay O Gemma lux Arvo Pärt O Holy Saint Nicholas (from Triodion) Manuel Chrysaphes Kalophonic Sticheron for St. Nicholas

cappella Romana+ john michael boyer Fifty days after the Resurrection, the promised Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, descended upon the Apostles in tongues of fire — transforming frightened disciples into fearless witnesses. Orthodox Christianity has celebrated this cosmic moment with some of its most magnificent music, from ancient Byzantine chant to contemporary works from across the Orthodox world. Central to our celebration is the ecstatic Teleutaion (Final Antiphon) of the Kneeling Vespers from Cappella Romana’s acclaimed recording Byzantium in Rome. This monumental 13th-century chant from Grottaferrata Abbey near Rome features extended psalmody on Psalm 18 and exuberant settings of “Alleluia,” capturing the wonder of that first Pentecost – “speaking in tongues,” Byzantine style. Program Teleutaion Settings of “Alleluia” Music for Orthodox Pentecost