St. Patrick’s Cathedral Hosts Seton Hall Chamber Choir

On Thursday, October 30, Seton Hall University’s Chamber Choir will perform at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan, New York. The performance, A Millennium of Motets (motets from different centuries), will be showcased beginning at 1:45 p.m. as part of the Guest Choir Series, which features choirs from around the world in hourlong performances.

Seton Hall’s Chamber Choir will be one of two New Jersey-based choirs to be featured in the series, with other choirs showcasing their talent based out of different states and countries. Participants include well-established talent from areas near and far, traveling from locations such as Cuba, Norway, the United Kingdom and more.

Director of Choral Activities Jason Tramm (D.M.A.), who also serves as associate professor in the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media (CHDCM), created this performance with the intention of encapsulating a beautifully told story that represents the vast history of motets and the different centuries through which it originated and developed. Though it has evolved in different manners and styles with time, it has remained central to the liturgy even to this day.

The motet, a noninstrumental, solely choral performance of sacred text, is one of the earliest genres in liturgical music. It has developed into the most influential genre within the Catholic Church and is widely recognized for becoming a fundamental method of worship within ancient and current churches alike.

When asked how Tramm would like audiences to reflect on the production, he expressed his hope that they view it not only as a performance but as an experience. As one of the largest and most historic cathedrals in the northern United States, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is rich in beauty and history, being the perfect environment for the Chamber Choir to share the story of the motet.

As Seton Hall Chamber Choir’s first performance at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, its development has been notably special in many ways. Tramm stated that being awarded the CHDCM’s annual Summer Faculty Grant allowed for the ensemble of professional singers, Evocare Chamber Choir, to help in accumulating the production. They will perform with the Chamber Choir on the day of the concert.

Tramm noted this served as an excellent experiential learning opportunity for individuals within the Chamber Choir, and it’s been an integral component in the process of preparation and execution of this performance. He said, “I am very proud of my students. This is more than just a program; it’s a community. Seton Hall itself is a very special musical community.”

The Chamber Choir is Seton Hall’s most elite music ensemble and continues to grow in reputation. The program includes a select group of high-performing individuals that have auditioned for their placement. It is a fast-paced environment, producing a large number of performances and more repertoire than the larger chorus program.

Seton Hall students are highly encouraged to join in on experiencing this concert at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, as it is open to all and free to the public.

Categories: Arts and Culture, Faith and Service