Singing around the Clock: Celebrating the Liturgy of the Hours in Parishes
​Historic overview with parochial applications and useful tips on how to point and chant the psalms, focusing on Sung Vespers.

60-minute live, online lecture followed by Q and A
by Dr. Horst Buchholz, Vice President of the Church Music Association of America

​The praying of the psalms dates back to the early Christians, many of whom memorized and prayed them on a daily basis. In the sixth century, Benedict of Nursia codified a practice of praying the psalms into a schedule which is now known as the Liturgy of the Hours (or Divine Office). Today, all are invited to pray the Liturgy of the Hours as they are able, in keeping with Paul’s exhortation to “pray without ceasing”.

Vespers is the prayer of the evening hour. Sung Vespers, the focus of this lecture, is a popular parish practice which requires a special set of musical skills. We will examine the structure of Vespers, how to introduce and lead Sung Vespers in the parochial setting, psalm tones, “alternatim” singing, practical considerations for “pointing” a text to a psalm tone, and much more.

​Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 10:00 am, USA Central Time Zone (GMT - 6)

Register: www.chantacademy.com/lecture-series