Advent concert coming to St. Patrick’s

Honoring the season of Advent, St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church will present an evensong concert at 7:30 p.m. Fri., Dec. 9 featuring the choirs of St. Patrick’s Church and Bella Musica, a period chamber ensemble affiliated with California Lutheran University.

The concert will mark the continuation of “The Arts at St. Patrick’s,” a performance series staged from August to December that integrates diverse musical styles into the church experience.

The choirs of St. Patrick’s Church will present the office and sing music of the advent season, including settings of “Christ Hath a Garden” and “Lo, How a Rose.”

The performance of Bella Musica will be under the direction of harpsichordist Dr. Eric Kinsley.

Advent is the first season of the Episcopal Church’s liturgical year, beginning on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and ending with the first Christmas Eucharist.

“It is a time of reflection and spiritual preparation for the coming holy day,” said Steve O’Connor, music director for St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church. “The voices of our church and period chamber pieces from Bella Musica will convey this solemn yet uplifting season.”

Admission is free with donations to the St. Patrick’s music program welcomed. For more information about the advent evensong concert and “The Arts at St. Patrick’s” series, call O’Connor at (805) 495-6441.

St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church is at One Church Road, Thousand Oaks, off El Monte Drive, one block north of Janss Road.