ADVENT CANDLELIGHT VESPERS, presented by Musica Sierra, was held December 19th at Sierra Brooks Lodge.Vespers (“evening prayer”) is an ancient monastic tradition that dates back to the 6th century in the Christian church. No religious affiliation is required as it is not a church service but rather an ancient Christian musical ceremony open to the community.
It was a beautiful evening "in peace and stillness immersed in contemplative song, chanting, prayer and candlelight” just in time for Christmas and the darkest day of the year. Those in attendance lit individual candles at the close of the ceremony while singing Silent Night. Refreshments were served.
Performers were Jonas Ellison in words Owen McIntosh, tenor and Lindsay McIntosh, Baroque oboe. Ellison is a midlife seminarian preparing for ordained ministry in the Lutheran church. He writes “daily-ish” on his blog at jonasellison.com and lives with wife, Alex, and danger, Rory in Loyalton.
Owen and Lindsay co-founded Musica Sierra in 2020. Lindsay is Executive Director as well as a Juilliard trend oboist. Owen is currently teaching music at Truckee elementary and is a Gramophone awarded singer. They reside in Sierra Brooks with children, Lachlan and Lennox. Musica Sierra’s mission is to enrich the cultural experience of Sierra County with world-class, year-round performances and music education, accessible and affordable for all.
More evening ceremonies are planned:
Epiphany: Sunday, January 16th at 6 p.m.
Lent: Sunday, March 19th at 6 p.m.
Easter: April 16th at 6 p.m.
It was a beautiful evening "in peace and stillness immersed in contemplative song, chanting, prayer and candlelight” just in time for Christmas and the darkest day of the year. Those in attendance lit individual candles at the close of the ceremony while singing Silent Night. Refreshments were served.
Performers were Jonas Ellison in words Owen McIntosh, tenor and Lindsay McIntosh, Baroque oboe. Ellison is a midlife seminarian preparing for ordained ministry in the Lutheran church. He writes “daily-ish” on his blog at jonasellison.com and lives with wife, Alex, and danger, Rory in Loyalton.
Owen and Lindsay co-founded Musica Sierra in 2020. Lindsay is Executive Director as well as a Juilliard trend oboist. Owen is currently teaching music at Truckee elementary and is a Gramophone awarded singer. They reside in Sierra Brooks with children, Lachlan and Lennox. Musica Sierra’s mission is to enrich the cultural experience of Sierra County with world-class, year-round performances and music education, accessible and affordable for all.
More evening ceremonies are planned:
Epiphany: Sunday, January 16th at 6 p.m.
Lent: Sunday, March 19th at 6 p.m.
Easter: April 16th at 6 p.m.
