The Hills are Alive!
Sounds of Gregorian Chant Grace the Northwest Connecticut Hills
Atop a pine hill in Bethlehem, CT sits the Church of the Abbey of Regina Laudis, filled with natural light, elegant simplicity, and the hauntingly beautiful sound of voices lifted in divine melody, chanting the sacred songs of the Catholic Church. The Benedictine women of Regina Laudis carry on the ancient tradition of Gregorian chant in reverence to the abbey's late founder and first abbess, Mother Benedict Duss, who felt that the Chant was the most powerful and moving way to share the story of God's life.
Singing Gregorian chant at Regina Laudis involves a lifetime of scholarship, practice and performance – and on occasion some timely assistance from Connecticut Light & Power. The choir is led by Mother Abbess David Serna, who is gifted with a beautiful voice of her own, and the ability to hone individual voices into a unified ensemble. "We consider it a privilege to sing these chants," says Sister Noella Marcellino, one of the Abbey's marketing and publicity associates. "We have the opportunity to express ourselves with such authenticity, and to be led by someone we truly love."
The remarkable Chant work of Mother David and the women of the abbey has been deemed worthy of three Women in Chant music CDs. Their most recent, "The Announcement of Christmas," celebrates their work in chant covering the entire season of Christmas, from the beginning of Advent through the Feast of Epiphany, on January 6th. "This CD has truly been a community effort," explains Sister Noella. "Most of the work, from the graphic art for the CD's digital booklet, to the translations and text commentaries has been done here, at the abbey."
There was some help from outside sources, however. When the producer from New York City visited the abbey last spring to record the new Christmas CD, Mother Daniel, the Abbey's CL&P liaison, realized the recording sessions would coincide with CL&P's Imploding Splice Connectors Project. CL&P was upgrading old transmission lines using imploding splice technology, which produces a brief loud noise similar to a thunderclap. Hoping to avoid the damage these sudden bursts of noise could do to their recordings, Mother Daniel contacted CL&P to ask for advance notice of the work. Fortunately, CL&P was able to re-route their work crews for the week, and the nuns' completed their recordings without interference.
CL&P and the Abbey of Regina Laudis have a history of collaboration dating back to the 1950's, when CL&P donated old utility poles which the nuns used to build a pole barn for the abbey's sheep. CL&P also contributed to the restoration of the "Beautiful Gate," which appeared on their 2002 Christmas card. And just last August, CL&P was able to come to a quick rescue when the abbey lost power due to a blown transformer on opening night of their outdoor theater season. Mother Prioress Dolores Hart, an former actress, who starred in movies opposite Elvis Presley, had this to say about the night: "Our hearts were frightened as we faced opening night in the dark with not a sign of help until the one came that cheered this old actor's soul. CL&P was hailed from the skies and like lightning their truck came swiftly and surely bringing a great opening night full of light and applause for the best company in town." Because of moments like this, "it's no surprise that when we chant the men and women of CL&P are with us," says Mother Daniel. "Each day we remember them, celebrate their service and pray for their safety."
"The Announcement of Christmas" is due for release this November, just in time for the holiday season. The Women in Chant CDs are available at the Abbey's web site, in record stores and online. For more information about the Abbey or Regina Laudis, or to purchase "The Announcement of Christmas" this November, visit http://www.abbeyofreginalaudis.com
