On Sunday August 26th, at 9 PM, St. Thomas' Anglican Church will offer a chanted office of Compline.
Inherited from the Medieval monastic tradition, Compline is a quiet and contemplative service, and the music setting is mainly composed of various chants. “As its name implies, compline (completorium) is the canonical hour which ‘completes’ and brings the day to its close. The office owes much of its present form to St. Benedict.” It is—with matins (morning prayer) and vespers (evening prayer)—an office which is still sung in many churches and cathedrals.
Music directors Matthieu Latreille and Francine Nguyen-Savaria had the opportunity to attend offices of compline during their years in Los Angeles, and also at Selwyn College in Cambridge (UK). They have wanted to offer this experience in the Quinte area for a few years already.
"It is a beautiful, serene office," says Francine. "One can participate simply by listening and allowing the music to take us elsewhere. My personal experience of Compline is one of a service when we are free for a while from anxieties and the demands of the world around us. That it is the last office of the day is very suiting."
This late, candlelit service will be chanted by a female voice ensemble, formed specially for this event. The music will include plainchant, and two motets by Orlande de Lassus.
Free-will offering.