Concert enthralls audience
Story and photos by David Ziser
The Music of the Mystics Concert this past Sunday at Mother of God, performed by the Heri et Hodie Ensemble and featuring the works of St. Hildegard of Bingen, was an enthralling experience from beginning to end for the more than 150 people in attendance. Thanks to Mother of God's very own Meg Booker, organist for the 9:30 Mass, for organizing the event.
The music was different from what many might have expected. The concert was quiet, meditative, and truly mystical in nature. It was a style of music that settled over the audience, leaving them with a wonderful sense of balance, peace, and tranquility, both musically and spiritually.
The 26 performers—musicians, sopranos, and altos—who led the audience through a contemplative presentation of music, hymns, and prayer—was impressive. Everything was presented with elegance and grace.
The ensemble's wonderful talents were richly rewarded at the conclusion of the performance with a well-deserved standing ovation from the audience. It was a musically and aesthetically beautiful experience for everyone fortunate enough to be there.
The music was different from what many might have expected. The concert was quiet, meditative, and truly mystical in nature. It was a style of music that settled over the audience, leaving them with a wonderful sense of balance, peace, and tranquility, both musically and spiritually.
The 26 performers—musicians, sopranos, and altos—who led the audience through a contemplative presentation of music, hymns, and prayer—was impressive. Everything was presented with elegance and grace.
The ensemble's wonderful talents were richly rewarded at the conclusion of the performance with a well-deserved standing ovation from the audience. It was a musically and aesthetically beautiful experience for everyone fortunate enough to be there.
Concert Background
Heri et Hodie (Latin for "Yesterday and Today") is an intimate treble-voice (women's) ensemble based in the Greater Cincinnati area. Launched in 2020, the group is founded and directed by professional soprano and musician Krista Cornish Scott. It is an active contributor to the region's classical and early music scene. They frequently perform in local churches, cathedrals, academic venues, and specialized events such as the Cincinnati Early Music Festival.
Hildegard of Bingen (c. 1098 – September 17, 1179), often called the "Sibyl of the Rhine," was a German Benedictine abbess, mystic, writer, and polymath. Living during the High Middle Ages, she was one of the most remarkable and influential figures of her era, operating as a composer, philosopher, naturalist, and visionary.
Hildegard's influence endured long after her death, celebrated by early music ensembles and scholars alike. In 2012, Pope Benedict XVI formally canonized her and named her a Doctor of the Church—an elite distinction shared by only four women in history, recognizing the profound theological weight of her life's work.
Hildegard of Bingen (c. 1098 – September 17, 1179), often called the "Sibyl of the Rhine," was a German Benedictine abbess, mystic, writer, and polymath. Living during the High Middle Ages, she was one of the most remarkable and influential figures of her era, operating as a composer, philosopher, naturalist, and visionary.
Hildegard's influence endured long after her death, celebrated by early music ensembles and scholars alike. In 2012, Pope Benedict XVI formally canonized her and named her a Doctor of the Church—an elite distinction shared by only four women in history, recognizing the profound theological weight of her life's work.