Students, Faculty, and Alumni to Unite for a Powerful Tenebrae Performance

BETHANY, W.Va. (April 2, 2025) – The Bethany College Department of Visual and Performing Arts is presenting a truly one-of-a-kind event on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 3 p.m. at Bethany Memorial Church. In collaboration with Bethany Memorial Church, the Bethany College Chamber Choir, directed by Dr. Michael P. Mihalyo, Jr., will present a service of readings, anthems, and hymns in a “Tenebrae Service,” followed by a presentation of “The Seven Last Words” by Théodore Dubois.  

A concert of this type harkens back thirteen years when Bethany’s Concert Choir presented a large-scale Choral Work every spring, which featured “The Seven Last Words” on multiple occasions. In addition to the current student members, Bethany’s Chamber Choir will be joined by a current faculty member, three faculty emeriti, and 22 alumni spanning from the 1970’s through 2013. “The Seven Last Words” will feature three guest soloists- tenor Casey Gray ’09, adjunct professor of music at Skidmore College, in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.; soprano Alanna Burden, a senior at West Virginia University; and baritone Dr. Thomas Erik Angerhofer, assistant professor of music and coordinator of vocal studies at West Virginia University. The program will also welcome back Bethany’s past director of choral activities (2000-2013), Dr. David J. Rudari, who is currently professor of music and director of choral ensembles emeritus at Onondaga Community College in Syracuse, N.Y.  

“It is truly a pleasure to return to Bethany and have the chance to collaborate with Michael, again, after so many years,” says Rudari. “Michael is developing a Chamber Choir that is truly fearless, and who have launched themselves headlong into the Dubois’ music. I’ve enjoyed our individual rehearsals. The years he and I taught and conducted at Bethany (2000-2008) were truly incredible. Our students accepted many performance challenges and rose to achieve great performances, culminating in our “Messiah” performances of 2006 and 2007. We were able to make great music for our cherished community. I’ve been fortunate to keep in touch with many of the alumni who will be part of the choir for this presentation. It will be wonderful to see them and to work with them, again.”    

“We are delighted to have an opportunity to offer this moving Lenten service with so many past, present, and hopefully future friends. It is a pleasure to work again with Dr. Rudari, and to share in his enthusiasm for choral singing,” says Mihalyo. “It has been wonderful to learn about our alumni’s many successes, and to witness their continuing affinity for music and the College.” 

The event is open to the public, and there is no admission charge. Following the program, there will be a family-style reception offered in the Fellowship Hall of Bethany Memorial Church.