Rachmaninoff: Vespers

Sergei Rachmaninoff’s All-Night Vigil (Vespers), composed in 1915, is a cornerstone of Orthodox sacred music. Drawing on ancient chant traditions, it blends profound spirituality with lush harmonies, showcasing remarkable choral depth, including the famous bass lines that anchor its sonorous texture. Rich harmonies unfold with breathtaking warmth, each phrase suspended in the vast space of Guelph’s Basilica of our Lady, inviting reflection and stillness in this transcendent choral masterpiece.