Immaculate Conception honors a saint who sang to God while defending her faith

Cecilia, a young third century Christian noblewoman, was ordered by her parents to marry a pagan against her will.

But Cecilia refused to take part in the wedding festivities.

Instead, she sat by herself, singing to God. Before the marriage was consummated, Cecilia converted her husband and his brother to Christianity. Eventually, all three were put to death by order of Emperor Alexander Severus.

Because she sang to God while defending her faith, Cecilia — venerated in the Latin Catholic, Eastern Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches — has become known as the patron saint of music and musicians. Composers like Henry Purcell and George Frideric Handel have written anthems in her honor, and her feast day, Nov. 22, is celebrated with concerts and music festivals.

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception will honor this age-old tradition with the St. Cecilia Music Festival Nov. 15. The program will feature vocalists, small ensembles, pianists, organists and handbell choirs. All pandemic safety protocols will be observed.

In years past, the cathedral’s St. Cecilia Festival focused on choirs. Mario Pearson, Immaculate Conception’s principal organist and director of music, says that this year the emphasis will be on instrumentalists and smaller ensembles.

“The St. Cecilia Festival was envisioned as a hymn festival and a choir festival,” Pearson said. “During a pandemic, those scenarios are not ideal. But I had a very deep sense that people are yearning for live performances, so I thought having a variety program of singers and small ensembles would make for a lovely afternoon.”

Pearson discovered that musicians are also yearning to play live music. He received a rousing, enthusiastic response from some of Kansas City’s finest church musicians when he extended an invitation to participate in the festival.

“We have the whole gamut, from young adults to seasoned musicians, taking part,” Pearson said.

Among the more seasoned musicians is Paul Turner, the cathedral’s pastor, organist and pianist. He’ll perform the Adagio cantabile from Beethoven’s “Pathétique” Sonata.

Among the younger performers is Matthew Harris, a student in William Jewell College’s new artist’s diploma program. I heard Harris perform last month in Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte and was blown away by his voice and stage presence.

“Matthew is going to sing two spirituals arranged by Moses Hogan,” Pearson said. “He has such an energy about him. Back in September we had a praise service for racial healing, and Matthew was the vocalist for that service. His musicianship is just stunningly beautiful.”

Violinist Keith Stanfield and his quartet Opus 76 are also performing, along with a plethora of other fine musicians, including Pearson himself. He’ll play Immaculate Conception’s mighty Ruffatti organ and Fred Crouch will play the piano in a couple of duets by Mendelssohn and Bach.

“One of my favorite pieces has always been Mendelssohn’s ‘March of the Priests,’” Pearson said. “It has such an energy to it. The other piece, Bach’s ‘Liebster Jesu,’ will provide a nice contrast. Those are two of my favorite pieces.”

Pearson says he’s especially proud that Justin Hurst is taking part in the program.

“Justin has been my apprentice organist at the cathedral since he was 10 years old,” Pearson said. “He’s 22 now. He’s a pre-med student and also the music director at St. Gabriel’s in North Kansas City. He’s a very talented, creative young man.”

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception has hosted several concerts with audiences since the pandemic began, so the team knows how to provide maximum safety. Everyone entering the cathedral is required to wear a mask, social distancing is observed and only four people are allowed per pew. There are no paper tickets or programs, and ushers wear gloves and masks.

Pearson says the length of the concert will not be excessive: 90 minutes at most. The doors will open at 2:30 p.m. and seating for the free concert will be first come, first serve. The concert will also stream on the cathedral’s Facebook page.

With the right protocols, Pearson believes people can once again enjoy the power and inspiration of live performances.

“There’s so much energy and youthfulness in the diocese, so I’m very excited about the program,” Pearson said. “I hope people will come and listen to some live music because it will be an enjoyable afternoon.”

3 p.m. Nov. 15., Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 416 W. 12th St. Streaming at www.facebook.com/golddomekc. Free. For more information, www.kcgolddome.org.

You can reach Patrick Neas at patrickneas@kcartsbeat.com and follow his Facebook page, KC Arts Beat, at www.facebook.com/kcartsbeat.