Luminous Rescue: Psalms of Protest and Reconciliation
Sunday, May 17, 2026 3PM
Church of the Covenant
67 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116
LEONARD BERNSTEIN, Chichester Psalms
CHARLES IVES, Psalm 90
PATRICIA VAN NESS, Psalms of Luminous Rescue
Guest Artists:
Jerrick Cavagnaro, organ
Janet Stone, soprano
Coro Allegro, Boston’s LGBTQ+ and allied classical chorus, led by David Hodgkins, concludes its season with Luminous Rescue: Psalms of Protest and Reconciliation—a program that explores the human longing for peace, justice, and spiritual renewal through three extraordinary American works.
The concert features Leonard Bernstein’s exuberant and deeply personal Chichester Psalms, Charles Ives’ visionary Psalm 90, and Patricia Van Ness’ radiant and contemplative Psalms of Luminous Rescue, commissioned for Coro Allegro in 2018, and newly revised for 2026. Together, these settings give voice to the cry for deliverance from violence and oppression, and the hope for reconciliation in a broken world.
Each work charts its own emotional and spiritual arc—from anguish to transcendence, from chaos to clarity. Their collective impact is both cathartic and uplifting: a journey through dissonance toward harmony, darkness toward light.
We are pleased to work with guest artists organist Jerrick Cavagnaro, soprano Janet Stone, and members of the Back Bay Ringers for this performance.
We'll also present our annual Pinkham award to Reuben Reynolds, Artistic Director of the Boston Gay Men's Chorus, for his artistry and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community.
Join us for this culminating celebration of resilience, grace, and the enduring power of song.
A reception for all follows the concert. Free street parking and an affordable nearby garage. Details will be sent prior to the concert.
