Tenebrae Service: the New Quay Singers - Dvorak’s Requiem

The New Quay Singers in collaboration with Portaferry Presbyterian Congregation are thrilled that Northern Irish actor Steven Calvert, (Hope Street, Borderline) has agreed to be narrator for this year’s Tenebrae Service on Good Friday, joining Rebecca Murphy: soprano; Jenny Bourke: contralto; Aaron O’Hare: tenor; Brendan Collins: bass and the New Quay Singers.

Steven will read the “Shadows” taken from the Gospel of St Matthew, detailing Christ’s journey from his arrest at Gethsemane to his death at Golgotha. Between each reading the soloists and choir will sing excerpts from Dvorak’s great romantic Requiem (Opus 89).

In the Tenebrae Service, which dates from the 3rdC AD, as each lesson, or Shadow, is completed a candle is extinguished and the lights dimmed a little until, eventually, the congregation is in total darkness when the Strepitus, or great noise, is sounded.

This is a poignant and dramatic celebration of Good Friday and whether you have a religious faith or not, everyone, from all backgrounds and all faiths or none, is welcome to join us for this annual event.

Admission free but there will be a retiring collection by Portaferry Presbyterian Church congregation.

This event is supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council and the Dorinda Lady Dunleath Trust.