Harmonies rang in Reid Chapel on Friday, Feb. 9 as Samford’s a cappella choir hosted their traditional Choral Vespers service.
The event featured traditional hymns and anthems sung by the choir, scripture readings and a homily delivered by Dr. James Strange. The service was open to friends and family, and the congregation participated in prayer and song.
Conducted by Dr. Phillip L. Copeland, the choir sang three different songs: “Beautiful Savior,” by Melius Christiansen, “Agneau de Dieu” by Rupert Lang and “A Jubilant Song” by Rene Clausen.
“We are singing three sacred works in three different languages: French, German and English,” Copeland said. “They are incredible works that represent some of the finest choral music ever written.”
Junior Mille Evans highlighted the second piece, “Agneau de Dieu.” The song is a French piece, featuring a quartet and larger ensemble.
“This piece is from a unique part of the catholic mass where the congregation is stating ‘Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,’” Evans said. “This is a personal prayer of the people and highlights the mercy of God.”
Sophomore Bella Grace Baker, who joined the a cappella choir last year, also shared her admiration for “Agneau de Dieu.”
“The feeling that masterful artwork inspires is difficult to describe, but I will try my best,” Baker said. “Lang captures the beauty of the Lord’s mercy, sacrifice and gift of peace that transcends all understanding. Singing this piece is one of the most intimate forms of worship that I have ever experienced. Our singing becomes a glorious prayer for forgiveness and peace, seeming to stop time and dissipate all fear because it is a meeting with the God who transcends time and transcends fear.”
Graduate student Sebastian Black praised the final piece, soloed by Camryn Rodrigue.
“‘Jubilant Song’ stands out to me,” Black. “It’s the most challenging, especially in terms of rhythm, but it also has moments of serene purity that add depth and meaning to the bombast.”
The Samford a cappella choir was founded in 1939 and is nationally and internationally accredited. In May of 2023, the choir traveled to Belgium and the Netherlands for a competition, which they won. Baker was a part of this group.
“Not only did we win the competition, but we also formed an international, multicultural choir community with the other choirs in just four days, explored several beautiful cities, ate lots of chocolate, and saw our music -and the Lord through our music- touch the hearts of many,” Baker said.
According to conductor Copeland, the choir is set to travel again next year.
“It looks like our next international competition will be in June 2025,” Copeland said. “We have won our last three competitions, but this one will be the biggest challenge that we have ever faced. I am very excited about it.”
Staff Writer
