San Diego Master Chorale presents Rachmaninoff’s All-Night Vigil for one night only

San Diego, CA (April 4, 2023) — On Saturday, April 29, at 7:00 PM, The San Diego Master Chorale presents Sergei Rachmaninoff’s soul-stirring All-Night Vigil, under the direction of Music Director John K. Russell. 

Although best known for his great piano works and as a pianist, Sergei Rachmaninoff counted his a cappella choral work, All-Night Vigil, among his two favorite compositions. The piece will be performed at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Cardiff-by-the Sea, known for its outstanding acoustics. 

 “This is the 150th year of Rachmaninoff’s birth and the Chorale is celebrating by performing one of Rachmaninoff’s own favorite works, the All-Night Vigil,” said Music Director John Russell. “The All-Night Vigil was not necessarily meant only for church services, and has really become a piece that you hear in a concert setting. There’s a universality in this music that transcends across liturgical spaces, and offers a sense of comfort and peace. At this concert, you’re going to hear fantastic singing and you’re also going to be transported into a world of choral music that’s not like any other.”

Sergei Rachmaninoff’s All-Night Vigil, also referred to as the “Vespers,” is a choral masterpiece composed and premiered in 1915. The All-Night Vigil is a collection of settings of texts from the Russian Orthodox All-Night Vigil service and is considered one of the greatest achievements of Russian choral music. Rachmaninoff’s All-Night Vigil is characterized by lush harmonies, soaring melodies, and his own distinctive style, creating a work that is both deeply spiritual and emotionally powerful.

The Rachmaninoff: All-Night Vigil concert begins at 7:00 pm, and the pre-concert talk is at 6:00 pm with Music Director John Russell. Tickets are $25 for Adults, $20 for Seniors (65yrs+), $15 for Students and Active Military (with ID), and Free for Children (under 13 yrs), and can be purchased at sdmasterchorale.org.

Rachmaninoff: All-Night Vigil
Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 7:00 PM
Pre-concert talk 6:00 PM
Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church
(3459 Manchester Ave., Cardiff)

ABOUT SAN DIEGO MASTER CHORALE

Recognized for its inspiring and exhilarating performances, the San Diego Master Chorale has served as the premiere choral ensemble of San Diego County since 1961. Featuring over 100 of the region’s finest singers, the SD Master Chorale performs classical masterworks, new music by contemporary composers, and diverse works of many styles under the direction of Music Director John K. Russell. 

The mission of SD Master Chorale is to connect all people to the joy of professional-caliber live choral music and enrich lives by sharing what we have in common — our voice. Each year, the Chorale reaches tens of thousands of listeners both on stage and off through live performances and broadcasts on KPBS, San Diego’s NPR station. The SD Master Chorale can frequently be heard in collaboration with the San Diego Symphony, La Jolla Music Society & Chorus, and Mainly Mozart Festival. For more information, visit sdmasterchorale.org.