The St. James Episcopal Church Chamber Choir will sing Tenebrae at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 19.

Tenebrae is an ancient order of service taken from the Latin word for “darkness” and refers to the combined monastic services of Matins and Lauds. The most conspicuous feature of this service is the gradual extinguishing of candles after each psalm or canticle is sung, until only the center Christ candle remains.

Most of the music the choir will feature is Gregorian chant. The featured cantor will be Phillip Haynie, choral director at East Henderson High School.

The three lessons from Jeremiah will be chanted in plainsong and the choir will also sing two famous Renaissance motets: Anerio’s “Christus factus est” and Allegri’s “Misere” (Psalm 51.)

Near the end of the service, the Christ candle is hidden with a loud noise, typifying the earthquake at Christ’s death and the apparent victory of the forces of evil. The hidden Christ candle is ultimately restored to its place, symbolizing the resurrection. The congregation departs in silence by the light of the Christ candle.

The public is welcome. The church is located at 766 N. Main Street in Hendersonville.

For more information, contact director of music Brad Gee at 828-694-6925 or visit stjamesepiscopal.com.