Byzantine Chant, "Beauty, Blended & Blurred" A Byzantine Choral Concert

Acknowledgements

Suzanne would like to offer appreciation to the following people who have contributed to the successful realization of her vision and who helped to make it all possible

To the Clergy & Staff at:

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Portland, Oregon

The Rev. Father Paul Paris, Presiding Priest

The Rev. Father Christos Kalaitzis, Assistant Priest

The Rev. Father Deacon David Cole, Deacon

Photini Downie Robinson – Protopsaltria

Gail Morris – Church Secretary

John Lampus, Outgoing Choir Director

Jonas Williams, Choir Director

Thomas Spathas – Live Stream Tech

Sarah and Mike Gravening – Live Stream Tech Operators

Many thanks to the John Lampus, and the Holy Trinity Choir who embraced me as I joined the choir with the genuine goal to learn the music of the Divine Liturgy and to experience singing Byzantine choral music: that which I had only researched since my undergraduate studies at California State University, Los Angeles in 2018.

I especially would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Photini Downie Robinson who has been so generous with her time and sharing her knowledge to teach me not only about Byzantine Chant, but how to begin to read Byzantine Notation and Greek Modal Music. When I began my research, I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to study a teacher as extraordinary as Photini.

My deepest thanks to Mark Powell who I had the great fortune to meet at the beginning of my research in Byzantine music. He has provided his musicological expertise and guidance in curating the music for this program. Once again, I can only express how taken I was when I first had the opportunity to see and hear Cappella Romana perform live in 2018; never dreaming for one moment, that I may one day find myself at the chant stand holding Ison (the steady tone sung while the psalter is chanting the liturgy) beside Mark and Protopsaltria Photini Downie Robinson.

Suzanne would also like to express her deepest gratitude to her cohort, her fellow colleagues, with special thanks to her graduate tutor, Jenny Tisi, faculty, and advisors who provided unending support in her quest to complete her Master of Music at CSULA. It was a three-summer program, which began in person in 2018, continued in 2019, but due to the pandemic, was taken online for the final summer in 2020 Finally, Suzanne thanks her family, Darrell and her children, Brianna and Miles as well as her siblings, Karyn, Christine and Colin and my friends old and new “for allowing me to continue polishing my diamond”

This concert is dedicated to Suzanne’s late mother of Kastellorizan/Australian descent, Rose, also known as Triantafillia, for her gift of music, and in her passing in November 2005, leaving yet another impactful music experience in hearing the memorial chant “Memory Eternal” which became the catalyst for her foray into Byzantine Chant.

Pre-Concert Lecture

Q & A Discussion with Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedrals’

Protopsaltria Photini Downie Robinson

Music Program

Christos Anesti Michael Adamis (1929-2013) Greece

Cherubic Hymn

Mother of God

Nicholas Roubanis (1880-1968)

Sir John Tavener (1944-2013)

Soma Christou Tikey Zes (B. 1927- ) USA

Enite Ton Kyrion Steve Cardiasmenos (B. 1958- ) USA

Axion Estin

John Sakellarides (1853-1938) Greece

Se Hymnoumen (Featuring Photini Downie Robinson) Emilios Riadis (1885-1935) Greece

Madonna Il Poco Dolce Nicola Vicentino (c. 1511-1575 or 1576) Italy

15 Minute Intermission Followed by an Ensemble Performance

By String Trio led by Chris Fotinakis

Fantasie a3, #1 Orlando Gibbons (1583-1625) United Kingdom

The Lamb

Ikon of Light: Movement 5. Trisagion II (Featuring Bass, Jonas Williams)

Sir John Tavener (1944-2013) United Kingdom

40 Fold Kyrie E leison Frank Desby (1922-1992) USA

A Song for Athene

Sir John Tavener (1944-2013) United Kingdom

Xristos Anesti

Xristos anesti

ek nekron, thanato thanaton patisas, ke tis en tis mnimasin zoin xarisamenos

Cherubiko n

Ita Herouvim, Mistikos Ikonizondes

Ke Ti Zo Opio Triadhi Ton Triasaghion Imnon

Prosadhontes

Pasan Tin Viotikin Apo Dhometha Merimnan

Os Ton Vasi Le A Vasi Lea Ton Olon I Podhe Meni Tes Angelikes Aora Tos Dhoriforoumenon Takes Sin

Aliluia

Mother of God

Mother of God, here I stand now praying, Before this icon of your radiant brightness, Not praying to be saved from a battlefield,

Soma Christou

Soma Hristou, Meta La Vete, Pigis Athanatu Gev Sas The

Enite Ton Kyrion

Ekton Ura Non Enite Afton Entis ipsistis

Aliluia

Axi on Estin

Axion estin os

Alithos makrizin se tin

Theotokon tin aimakriston ke pa namomiton

ke mitera tu Theuimon

Se Hymnoumen

Se hymnoumen, S e evlogoumen

Si efkharisto, se hymnoum en, Kyrio ke ometha sou

O Theos imon

Christ is Risen

Christ is risen from the dead, by death trampling death, and to those in the tombs granting life!

Cherubic Hymn

We, who mystically represent the Cherubim And chant the thrice-holy hymn to the Life-giving Trinity, Let us set aside the cares of life

That we may receive the King of all, Who comes invisibly escorted by the Divine Hosts.

Not giving thanks, nor seeking forgiveness

For the sins of my soul, nor for all the souls Numb, joyless and desolate on earth, But for her alone, whom I wholly give you

Receive the Body of Christ

Receive the body of Christ Drink from the font of immortality

Praise The Lord

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him, praise Him in the highest Alleluia

It is Truly Right

It is truly right to call you blessed

O Theotokos ever blessed most pure and the Mother of our God more honorable than the Cherubim make sure and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim In virginity you gave birth to God to God the word

Truly Theotokos we magnify you

We Praise You

We praise you

We bless you

We give thanks to you

We pray to you, we pray to you

Oh Lord our God

Text and Translation Greek Transliteration English Translation

Madonna Il Poco Dolce

Madonna, il poco dolce e il molto amaro

Il breve riso, il troppo lungo pianto

M’hanno ridotto a tanto

Che’l pianger sempr’ e sospirar mi è caro

Madonna the Little Sweet

My lady, the small sweetness and great bitterness, The brief smile, the too-long grief Have reduced me so much That to weep always and sigh are dear to me.

Followed by an Instrumental Ensemble Performance

By String Trio led by Chris

Fotinakis

Fantasie a3, #1 Orlando Gibbons (1583-1625) United Kingdom

The Lamb

Little Lamb who made thee Dost thou know who made thee

Gave thee life & bid thee feed

By the stream & o’er the mead; Gave thee clothing of delight

Softest clothing wooly bright; Gave thee such a tender voice Making all the vales rejoice!

Little Lamb who made thee Dost thou know who made thee

Ikon of Lig ht: Movement 5. Trisagion II

Agios O Theos, Agios Iskhyros, Agios Athanatos eleison-imas

40 Fold Kyrie Eleison

Kyrie Eleison

A Song for Athene

Alleluia, Alleluia

May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. Alleluia, Alleluia

Remember me O Lord, when you come into your kingdom

Alleluia, Alleluia.

Give rest O Lord to your handmaid, who has fallen asleep.

Little Lamb I’ll tell thee

Little Lamb I’ll tell thee!

He is called by thy name

For he calls himself a Lamb: He is meek & he is mild

He became a little child: I a child & thou a lamb

We are called by his name

Little Lamb God bless thee

Trisagion

Holy God, Holy Strong, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us

Lord Have Mercy

Alleluia, Alleluia

The Choir of Saints have found the well-spring of life and door of paradise

Alleluia, Alleluia. Life a shadow and a dream

Alleluia, Alleluia.

Weeping at the grave creates the song Alleluia

Come, enjoy rewards and crowns I have prepared for you

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Program Notes

Is it possible that Byzantine Music of the time may have been looked upon as the music of the time, much like we may think about the Pop or Country music genre? Could it be possible that sacred music was the popular music of the time, the sounds emanating from the churches, villages, and towns, and the sounds of the people that created the beautiful music in today's program? Might we have heard someone like Suzanne Edwards, or for the sake of this conversation, "Triantafillia," singing or chanting her versions of the hymnography she learned from her Yia-yia on from the islands of Kastellorizo, just a short twenty-mile boat ride to Turkey, at a time during the reign of the Ottoman Empire in what we the church? Is it possible she called them her style of sacred music? Is it possible that depending on which period she was born, she may have sought out a Protopsaltria to study the art of Byzantine Chant, or how she might be applying the art of Ancient Greek music to the music of the day and created some beautiful new music based upon the music of the Middle Ages, Baroque and Romantic periods? By simply immersing herself in the beauty of the ancient Byzantine Chant, notation pre-dating Gregorian Chant, she has discovered that in the process of learning to chant the most beautiful and poetic text of the scripture in the sacred music from the ancient past where words celebrated, and she experienced the sweetness and the angst of longing and desire conveyed in a single rising melodic sequence written against oscillating microtones.

Byzantine music is the medieval sacred chant of Christian Churches following the Orthodox rite. Anyone who witnesses Orthodox liturgy will surely be struck by its frank appeal to the senses. The beauty of the chanting, choral singing, the incense, the vestments and ritual movements of the priest, and the images everywhere around are not mere embellishments; they are integral aspects of the whole liturgical event.

The purpose and meaning of the liturgy is to celebrate the consecration and distribution of the Eucharist. Byzantine music is a sacred medium of expression whereby the person allows the weightiness of lyrics and melody to enter the Divine Darkness of the Mystery of Salvation via theosis. This Concert and the research project have been to gather Byzantineinfluenced choral repertoire composed by Western Choral composers.

In this program, we will experience some of Suzanne's observations and discoveries while seeking out composers who were touched in their ways by Byzantine Chant. In many ways, the author has discovered that many composers were making their self-discoveries in their lives and, through their ability to compose music, heard a hymn in church and re-imagined it. It began with the author's study of Carlo Gesualdo (c. 1566-1613) and discovering he was influenced by composer, Nicola Vicentino (1511-CA.1576). He was enamored at Vicentino’s approach to composing sacred music using chromatic language. Further study by this author revealed that it was through Vicentino’s research of Ancient Greek music and that he began applying the microtonal style to his compositions. He even invented archicembalo and arciorgano ("arch"-harpsichord and -organ), a microtonal keyboard aimed at reforming the tonal universe that has survived history and, to the delight of this author, an example of the archicembalo keyboard being played can be viewed on Youtube. One could say Vicentino may have been known for injecting old sonic ideas and creating a new modern sound in his time. Greek composer Nicolas Roubanis is well known for more than his sacred music; what do Quentin Tarantino and Nicolas Roubanis have in common? They both contributed to the movie's success, "Pulp Fiction." Yes, he composed a very famous music piece in the film "Misirlou." It is not a sacred piece, but it is interesting to listen to it, and the knowledge of how his Greek or Byzantine influence impacted the composition is worth learning. We will hear the music of Michael

Adamis, who composed a newer version of the original Christos Anesti, sung at Easter in the Orthodox Church, with a slight Renaissance styling.

We'll also hear a selection by Steve Cardiasmenos, entitled Enite Ton Kyrion, with a slightly Manhattan Transfer-ish application of the jazziest chords the conductor has heard in a Sacred piece. It was difficult not to take liberties and increase the tempo to listen to what a Jazz-Sacred piece could become! The exciting discovery of a Greek composer Emilios Riadis who is known to have studied with the 20th Century French composer and a favorite of the conductor, Maurice Ravel. Riadis' composition based upon the hymn Se Hymnoumen, "We Praise You," conjures up rich, subtle textures and melodies. The conductor sat upright and leaned in to listen to the rising and falling of the rich, luscious microtonal chords that swept over the listener like waves. Who would not want to sing this beautiful music and all the notes in between the notes singers know? In America, there has been a stream of talented Greek and Greek American Composers who, much like this author, have been enchanted by ancient Byzantine music.

Each of the composers has learned from the one who came before them. Composers such as Tikey Zes, who is 95 years old and living in California, were influenced by the harmonization and westernization of John Sakellarides. This author's first introduction to Sakellarides was only through written stories. It was not until most recently, during her search for program repertoire in the Cappella Romana music library, that she finally got to focus on a composition by Sakellarides. Somebody called him a crooner, a Greek Frank Sinatra who worked to bring the music of the Greek church to America. It was all the author could do to get a piano to hear how the homophonic block chords would play out and then be sung by the choir. A beautiful selection and version of a hymn, Axion Estin sounds like the tempo could be sped up, and it would be a song from the Horio or Greek village. Frank Desby, a Greek American composer, conducted and composed a rich catalog of music that is sung on any given Sunday at Saint Sophia Cathedral in Los Angeles. His name was known to this author before his music ever was. He composed a song with one word in the lyric, Kyrie Eleison. A pop band, Mr. Mister, came along in the '80s and attempted to do the same thing with the phrase, but it was just a pop song. Indeed, most listeners needed to know they were singing Lord Have Mercy. Finally, the late 20th Century composer Sir John Tavener composed his Byzantine-influenced melodies with crunchy dissonant chords, such as his work on Ikon of Light, Movement 5, and Trisagion. One can hear the angst in the voices matched by the harshness heard in the disjointed, chromatic, dissonant chords, this author can play the song on repeat for long periods, and not tire of the exquisite sound Sir John Tavener left as a gift to the world.

Suzanne Edwards Originally from British Columbia, Canada, Emmy award winning composer and country recording artist, Suzanne Edwards has expanded her vocal tapestry while studying the classical voice genre with Dr. Susan Kane at Cal State Los Angeles. At CSULA, Suzanne has studied vocal repertoire in German, French, Italian and English. In addition, while participating in Dr. Beverly Stein’s Early Music Ensemble in 2016, Suzanne also learned to sing in the Jewish language of Ladino from the Golden Age of Andalusia, Spain and performed an Arabic song with fellow CSULA student’s Middle Eastern Ensemble. The Early Music Ensemble performed a public concert at the 100-year-old Wilshire Boulevard Temple. Suzanne graduated in Spring 2018 with Honors with a Bachelor of Music Education Degree. Following the completion of her graduate studies, Suzanne looks forward to expanding her career by teaching at the collegiate level, expanding her film music production services to include a combined offering of film score, custom songs and epic choral voices to the film and television industry. Finally, she will continue to bring her passion and enthusiasm for all music genres and love of music to her students.

The Byzantine Choir Members

Conductor

Suzanne Edwards

Suzanne is a singer-songwriter, film composer and choral conductor is originally from British Columbia, Canada. She has made her career in the music and film industry working in multiple genres with individuals from Los Angeles to Nashville. Suzanne graduated from UCLA with a Certificate in Film Scoring and a Bachelor of Music Education from California State University, Los Angeles. She is currently finalizing her Master of Music in Choral Conducting at California State University, Los Angeles. Her thesis research is in Byzantine Chant and its influence on Western Choral Composers. Suzanne, also known by her Greek name, “Triantafillia” produces and teaches voice, piano, and music production at her studio. She makes her home in Portland, Oregon with her family, husband, Darrell, daughter Brianna, son, Miles and their two dogs, Mai-Mai the Pug and Bella the Australian Labradoodle.

Sopranos

Ruthie Flores

Born Ruthie Carrol in Queens, NY, to my mother: a first-generation Finnish immigrant, and my father, second generation Austrian/Czechoslovakian. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree, Summa Cum Laude, Phi Betta Kappa, from City College of New York. I relocated to Portland in 1987 and was married at Holy Trinity by Fr Elias. I am an artist (ceramic sculptor), a baker, a children's advocate, and a lover of nature. I founded and run Underwater Galleries TM, a national aquatics brand, with original ceramic designs manufactured for us overseas, for the last 3 decades. I have two beautiful children, Sophina 24 and Theo 21. My principal passion is the emotional well-being of young children, and advocating for that to be a national priority, as a means to heal our society.

Li Cosmakos Having been raised in the Orthodox Church, Li began singing in the choir of Holy Trinity in Phoenix, Az while attending Arizona State University. After moving to San Jose, Ca, she sang briefly at St, Nicholas under Tikey Zes and later at Prophet Elias in Santa Cruz. She later performed with the Cabrillo Symphonic Choir of Aptos including concert tours in Italy and Spain. After a long choral absence, she is delighted to finally come home to Holy Trinity of Portland.

Eleni Anadiotis Eleni is a teacher originally from Vancouver, BC. She lives in Portland with her wonderful husband, George, two amazing children, Thanasi and Zoe, and dog Shelby. She largely credits her beautiful parents for her love of the Orthodox faith and Greek culture. Eleni is always seeking opportunities to make a positive impact in the lives of others. She co-facilitates a support group for parents with perinatal mood disorders with a local non-profit organization. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, doing ceramics, and her newfound hobby, singing.

Sofia Salos

Sofia has been a member of Holy Trinity Cathedral for 33 years. She is originally from Athens, Greece but came from San Francisco. Sofia sings in the Choir at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

Emma Agger

Emma is a pre-chiropractic student, starting her Doctor of Chiropractic program in the Fall. She had the honor of singing with Pacific University Chamber Singers while completing an undergraduate degree in Cultural Anthropology. This is her fourth year as a staff singer at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. In her free time, she hangs out with her family, friends, and animals.

Altos

Samantha Calkins

My name is Sammie Calkins and I am a K-8 Music Educator. I am an Alto singer and have been singing professionally for almost 10 years. Please enjoy the concert!

Photini Downie Robinson (mezzo-soprano) earned her B.M. in Vocal Performance from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. She is the Founding Director of Yphos Studio, a virtual learning space that is uniquely tailored to the needs of Eastern Orthodox cantors and clergy. A specialist in Byzantine chant, Photini is a student of John Michael Boyer and holds a Certificate in Byzantine Music from Hellenic College Holy Cross in Brookline, MA. She is a performing artist with the internationally acclaimed vocal ensemble Cappella Romana and serves as Protopsaltria (First Cantor) at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Portland, Oregon. Photini is currently pursuing a Master of Theological Studies (MTS) at Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. She is passionate about the intersection between liturgical music and pastoral ministry and is in high demand as a cantor, ensemble artist, teacher, writer, speaker, and workshop leader.

Tenors

Corey Blaisdell

Corey is a music teacher and performing musician from Hillsboro, Oregon. He received his bachelor’s degree in music education from Pacific University and sang with the Pacific Chamber Singers as well as the men’s acapella group Splendid Audacity. Corey comes from a large family with 10 siblings, almost all of which are musically involved to some extent. Outside of music, he enjoys DIY projects, video games, and rock climbing.

Gabi Marcus

Gabi is a passionate singer who brings a vibrant energy and unmatched dedication to the world of choral music. From a young age, Gabi discovered their love for singing while participating in local school choirs, igniting an unyielding desire to pursue their musical dreams. Their commitment to teamwork and community engagement, combined with their belief in the transformative power of music, make Gabi a remarkable advocate for the universal language that connects hearts and uplifts souls.

Basses

Jonas Williams

Jonas is a Bass vocalist with over a decade of professional experience. He has done dozens of performances with the Oregon Symphony, Pink Martini, and Portland's Balladeers. He is the choir director at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral and has been singing with them for the last 4 years.

Enrique Bava

I am originally from Argentina. I worked in factory work for many years as a machinist and millwright, but my specialty was printing press mechanic, having worked as such in the LA Times and Clarin, Argentina largest circulation newspaper. I was also involved in union work. I then worked for many years with developmentally disabled adults, teaching Independent Living Skills. Finally, I worked in education teaching History at the community college level and then as a bilingual teaching assistant with Head Start and Portland Public Schools. I love singing in a choir.

String Trio