On Tuesday, May 6, St Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary (SVOTS) marked two important milestones in its ongoing commitment to the sacred arts: a concert by the newly reestablished St Vladimir’s Seminary Chorale, directed by Zachariah Mandell, and the official reopening of the renovated Sacred Arts Room, formerly known as the Music Room.
The celebratory evening began with the St Vladimir’s Seminary Chorale showcasing several musical selections they had prepared for services throughout the year. The repertoire highlighted contemporary Orthodox music, including compositions of alumni and a current student. Local parishioners and community members attended the performance in Three Hierarchs Chapel alongside the student body, enthusiastically welcoming back the Chorale as a public-facing endeavor by seminarians.
Attendees at the reopening of the newly renovated Sacred Arts Room
First established 20 years ago, the SVS Chorale was reconstituted this year as an auditioned, standing ensemble composed of seminarians, spouses, faculty, and community members. This first concert after a years-long hiatus was performed in conjunction with the reopening of the newly renovated Sacred Arts Room, which was made possible by the generosity of Joan Shell, a long-time friend and member of the advisory board of the Institute of Sacred Arts at St Vladimir’s Seminary.
Dr. Peter Bouteneff recognizes Sacred Arts supporter, Joan Shell, honoring her contribution and sponsorship of the updated room
The Sacred Arts Room will continue to be used for seminary choral rehearsals and choir-directing instruction, but it is now an environment for the study and practice of musical and visual arts, colloquia, performances, and workshops. Next month, renowned iconographer George Kordis will bring a session of his two-year iconography course (Writing the Light) to the newly updated space.
Key renovations include: new solid flooring, furniture, filing cabinets for sheet music archives, updated paint and window treatments, floor and table easels and lights, together with other art supplies.
Dr. Bouteneff speaks on the importance of a dedicated space for the sacred arts on campus
The renovations of the former Music Room and expansion of its purpose were the brainchild of the Director of the Institute of Sacred Arts, Dr. Peter Bouteneff, and Joan Shell. Their vision is for a beautiful, collaborative space, a home base for all students of the sacred arts at St Vladimir’s Seminary.
From left: Dr. Alexander Lingas, Zachariah Mandell, Dr. Ionuț-Alexandru Tudorie, Dr. Peter Bouteneff, Joan Shell, the Rev. Dn Harrison Basil Russin, and Ted Bazil.
Photo credits: Scott Strickland
