Funeral Idiomela, Third Boston Byzantine Music Festival

Holy Cross St. Romanos Byzantine Choir performing “Funeral Idiomela” at the third Boston Byzantine Music Festival, hosted by the Mary Jaharis Center for Byzantine Art Culture at Hellenic College Holy Cross, November 13-14, 2015. “Funeral Idiomela,” composed by John Michael Boyer (b. 1978), master cantor, composer, and Hellenic College Holy Cross alumnus, is a setting of St. John the Damascus’ funeral idiomela in English. It was written for the funeral of John Tavener (1944-2013), the English composer whose work was deeply influence by the music of the Orthodox Church. Excerpts from “Funeral Idiomela” were performed at his funeral. John Michael Boyer guest conducted the performance, which was a two-year memorial tribute to Tavener. For more information about the Boston Byzantine Music Festival, please visit www.BostonByzantineMusic.org.

[@bobbiefluffy]

So beautiful. Byzantine chant in English can be so sublime. John Michael Boyer thank you for making beautiful music! And thank you Sam Herron for sharing your voice in this performance and for keeping the traditions of Byzantine chant alive!

[@user-tq5ns1ox1h]

Beautiful! Thank you! I will use your video to learn the idiomela.