By: Somer Taylor

Strings and voices were heard during the Easter service at Sts. Monica and James Episcopal, a historic church in Northeast Washington, DC.  The DC Strings Workshop joined the church choir to perform beautiful sacred works by Mozart including the Laudate Dominum from his Vespers, the Allegro from the Kirchensonate in F Major, among other pieces, including hymns arranged by choir member Christopher Hoh.  DC Strings concertmaster, Raycurt Johnson soloed on Allegro by Mozart.  The concert was well-received by the congregation and choir who were happy for the string addition to the service.

Although perhaps not as well known for his religious works, many of Mozart’s Vespers and church sonatas are sublime and puts one in mind of his final opus, the Requieum, although the former pieces are much lighter in tone and mood.   Even without extended rehearsals, the pieces came together fairly quickly and helped to give a light classical touch to Easter 2017.