The choral ensemble Musica Sacra has commissioned a new work in honor of its 60th anniversary. Directed by Dr. L. Brett Scott, Musica Sacra will perform the world premiere of “Receiving” by award-winning composer Jessica French, 3 p.m. October, 26, 2025 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington, KY. The program also includes Haydn’s “Harmoniemesse.”

Musica Sacra is second only to the Cincincinnati May Festival as the oldest continually operating community choral group in Cincinnati. It was founded in 1965 by Helmut Roehrig, whose vision was to create an ensemble for performing sacred choral literature in the spaces for which they were intended, accompanied by an orchestra, and at no charge to the public. He led the group for 50 years.

The Seattle-based composer will attend the performance. During the week, she’ll work with students at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, where Scott is Professor of Ensembles and Conducting. French’s work has been commissioned by BBC Singers, the St. Olaf Cantorei and Orchestra; the St. Thomas Choir of Men and Boys (NYC), and the Choir of Trinity Church Wall Street (NYC) among others.

For this work, “Receiving,” French was inspired by a poem. She set it for four parts accompanied by strings, to honor the commission’s charge that this work should be accessible and easily programmed by a wide variety of choral groups.

This concert will be the first time Musica Sacra has blended traditional choral literature with the new, something that would have pleased Roehrig, said his widow, Evelyn Roehrig. “I believe Helmut would be pleased that Dr. Scott and this group of dedicated volunteers continue to fulfill and enhance this “vision” which he held so dear throughout his life,” she said.

Scott added, “We didn’t want to create a piece that would be performed once and then forgotten. Our aim is to create a tangible musical legacy for Musica Sacra, and Cincinnati, to add to the canon of sacred choral music, keeping the genre vibrant, robust, and engaging.”

The rest of the season

Musica Sacra’s season continues on February 22, 2026, when it will present a special performance, commemorating the 65th anniversary of its first concert, 3 p.m. at Church of the Redeemer in Hyde Park, which hosts their rehearsals. The program includes Morton Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna and selected anthems together with the Redeemer parish choir, accompanied by organist Michael Unger.

The final performance of the anniversary season will be Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 3 pm at Our Lady of the Visitation where Musica Sacra will perform Symphony No. 2, “Lobgesang” by Felix Mendelssohn.

The performances are free to the public, and no ticket is required. Should you wish to make a donation in honor of the 60th Anniversary Season, you may do so online or by mail to Musica Sacra, P.O. Box 43122, Cincinnati, OH 45243.

Information: musica-sacra.org.