CCM Chamber Choir fills historic cathedral with 'Path of Miracles' on April 22

The CCM Chamber Choir presents Joby Talbot's Path of Miracles at 7:30 p.m. on April 22, 2023, at Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington, Kentucky. Tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office.

Representing a pinnacle of 21st century choral a cappella works, Joby Talbot’s Path of Miracles is a true tour de force. Premiered in London mere days after the horrific 2005 bombings, the numerous historical, religious and humanistic connotations that saturate this work are sure to provide audiences with an unforgettable experience. With text and melodic excerpts drawn from various historical sources, this piece is sung in Greek, Latin, Spanish, Basque, French, German and English.

Exploring the Catholic tradition of Carmino de Santiago, a historic 825 km pilgrimage route across northern Spain, the four movements of Path of Miracles coincide with major landmarks found along the journey. Utilizing a vast array of novel compositional techniques, Talbot beautifully depicts the complex emotions of pain, hope, despair and determination that he and countless other pilgrims have felt while traversing this ancient path.

Opening the work with a traditional Bunun vocal effect, the first movement, Roncesvalles, recounts the biblical story of St. James and depicts the euphoric start of the pilgrimage. The following movement, Burgos, clearly references the discomfort and weariness of the travelers with persistent dissonances and unsteady rhythmic motion. Talbot has described the third movement, Leon, as a “Lux Aeterna,” a catholic communion antiphon for requiem mass meaning ‘eternal light.’ The ethereal strains are a clear reference to the beautiful Cathedral of Leon, and the peace that has now replaced the travelers’ earlier pains. Like a refreshing rain, the final movement, Santiago, continues to renew and transform the pilgrims until, in a burst of unrivaled joy, the end goal of the arduous journey comes into sight.

CCM Director of Choral Studies Joe Miller has directed Path of Miracles once before during the 2019 U.S. premier at the Spoleto Festival USA. “There is no other work like this in the choral repertoire,” he says, “it is built for a chorus with the talent of the CCM Chamber Choir.” Miller will present a pre-concert lecture at 7 p.m. before the performance. Audiences should look forward to a beautifully immersive experience, rich with emotion and glorious sound.

The CCM Chamber Choir’s performance of Path of Miracles will take place in Covington’s beautiful Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, often referred to as “America’s Notre Dame.” This historic church was first dedicated in 1901, and is recognized as the Mother Church of the Diocese of Covington. Tickets will NOT be sold at the venue, and MUST be purchased in advance through the CCM Box Office.

CCM Chamber Choir
Joe Miller, music director and conductor

A pilgrimage in composition, Joby Talbot’s Path of Miracles is a journey, as the four movement titles (Roncesvalles, Burgos, León and Santiago) are the four main posts along the Camino de Santiago, one of the most taxing pilgrimage routes in the Roman Catholic tradition. Path of Miracles incorporates musical styles from the Taiwanese Bunun people to the pilgrims' hymn Dum Pater Familias, and is sung in Greek, Latin, Spanish, Basque, French, English and German.

• 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 22

Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, 1140 Madison Ave, Covington, KY 41011

Tickets are $19.50; student discounts and group rates are available. Tickets will not be available to purchase in-person at the venue. Tickets can be purchased in person at the CCM Box Office, over the telephone at 513-556-4183 or online now through our e-Box Office!

Learn about additional ticket options for current CCM students.

Featured image at the top: The CCM Chamber Choir performs on stage. Photo/Andrew Higley.