Aurora church to host Lenten concert series featuring sacred art and music

Our Savior Lutheran Church in Aurora will host two Lenten concerts featuring organ, piano and vocal music.

The concerts will be at 6 p.m. Friday, March 13, and 5:30 p.m. Good Friday, April 3, at the church, 420 W. Downer Place. Admission is free, although freewill donations will be accepted.

“Each concert will provide an evening of peace and reflection on a few selected sacred artworks accompanied with music by myself. Organ, piano and vocal selections will be featured,” said music director Ryan Russell.

Artworks to be spotlighted are the “Pietà,” depicting the Virgin Mary cradling the body of Jesus after his crucifixion, by Van Gogh and others; and “Consummatum Est Crucifixion,” by Matthias Grünewald for the chapel altarpiece of the Isenheim hospital run by the Brothers of St. Anthony.

Music by Russell will range from ancient to modern to accompany each piece of art or collection of art. Selections will include “Toccata in e minor,” by Johann Pachelbel; “Petit offertoire,” by Cèsar Franck; “Above all” and selections by Russell on piano and organ.

The April 3 concert will precede Good Friday worship.

For information, call (630) 897-5936 or visit oursaviorsaurora.org.