LAWRENCE — The last seven words spoken by Jesus on the cross will be sung Sunday at 4 p.m. at Corpus Christi, 35 Essex St.
The cantata, "The Seven Last Words of Christ," will be performed by soloists from New England Classical Singers with the 40-member Lawrence High School Girls Ensemble doing the choral selection.
The 45-minute performance will have no narration as it is usually done when performed during Lent. Ash Wednesday is Feb. 17, marking the 40-day period of penitence and prayer before Easter.
The audience will follow the story from a program in English translated from the original cantata published in 1786 by Franz Joseph Haydn.
"The reason why we're doing it this way is to make it appealing to everyone, whether they are religious or not," said Terri Kelley, director of the concert series, presented by the Friends of the Lawrence Public Library, and supported by the Catherine McCarthy Memorial Trust.
The cantata has seven sonatas to correspond to Jesus' words.
They are: "Father forgive them for they know not what they do," from Luke 23:13-34; "Today you shall be with me in Paradise," Luke 23:39-43; "Woman, behold your Son! Son, behold your Mother!" John 19:25-27; "My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Mark 15:29-34; "I thirst," John 19:28-29; "It is finished," John 19:30 and "Father, into thy hands I commend my Spirit," Luke 23:44-49.
The cantata will not lose its religiosity, Kelley said.
"The religious overtones are carried out no matter what because the cantata contains universal truths," she said.
Soloists are, soprano Barbara Kilduff, tenor Jason McSoots and baritone Thomas Jones with Robert Cruz on the organ. David Hodgkins is artistic director of The New England Classical Singers of Andover.
The young voices of the Lawrence High Girls Ensemble, will be part of the choral selection. The ensemble is directed by Nancy McGhee.
"Classic music has always had a profound aspect to it," Kelley said. "When you listen to it, awakens feelings and touches your soul in ways words can not."
Kelley said the highlight of the performance are the soloists — from the emotive singing of the soprano, to the full resonant tones of the tenor and the deep sounding voice of the baritone.
"It takes great artistry to convert anger, suffering and grief. The artists are drained after it because they live through it and it has a profound effect on us by watching them," Kelley said.
The partnership between the New England Classical Singers and the Girls Ensemble is a win-win situation.
"To have the opportunity to learn about classical music as teenagers is something that will be with them forever," Kelley said.
"It's also good for the Classical Singers because the young voices have a certain quality when they're combined with the more mature voices. The blend is beautiful," he said.
Religion listings
Ballard Vale United, 23 Clark Road, Andover: Concert featuring JohnnyCab, One Step Away and Left Hand Blue, tonight 7 to 10. Cost is $7 to benefit Samaritan Teen Crisis Line.
Centerpoint Community, 101 School St., Salem, N.H.: Women's Bible study on the book of Revelation will be Thursdays through March 25, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The group will also watch and discuss the DVD series, "The Inheritance."
Christ Church, 25 Central St., Andover: Book discussion on "The Shack," will be Feb. 7 and 14, following the 10 a.m. service.
First Congregational Church, 7 Andover St., Georgetown: Clinical social worker Richard Aberman leads a discussion on the role of faith in times of emotional struggles and challenges Feb. 17 and March 17, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Details, 978-352-8443.
Groveland Congregational, 4 King St., Groveland: The Women's Focus Group meets tomorrow 5 to 6:15 p.m. for prayer, meditation and journaling.
Holy Angels of St. Luke the Evangelist, 8 Atkinson Depot Road, Plaistow, N.H.: Series on the life of St. John Marie Vianney, patron saint of all priests every Thursday to March 4, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.
Healing Mass by the Rev. Michael Monette Feb. 24 after the 4 p.m. Mass.
Londonderry Christian, 372 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, N.H.: Family service is Sunday at 10:45 a.m. with songs and a message for children.
Mary Mother of the Church, of St. Luke the Evangelist parish, 12 Amesbury Road, Newton, N.H.: The Rev. Michael Monette celebrates healing Mass on Feb. 24, 7 p.m.
Merrimack College, 315 Turnpike St., North Andover: Author John Kiser discusses his book, "The Monks of Tibhirine: Faith, Love, and Terror in Algeria," on Feb. 23, 7 p.m., Cascia Hall.
New England Bible, 60 Chandler Road, Andover: Women's Bible study on the book of Revelation runs through March 25, 10 a.m. to noon. They will also watch and discuss the DVD series, "The Inheritance."
Newton Junction Baptist Church, 18 W. Main St., Newton Junction, N.H.: Healing Mass is Feb. 14, 2 p.m.
North Parish, Academy Road, North Andover: Introduction to Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism and Christianity on Feb. 11, 18 and 25, from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Class for people interested in joining the Unitarian Universalist Church is March 3, 10 and 17.
Rolling Ridge, 660 Great Pond Road, North Andover: Jane Gossard leads a drumming circle Feb. 24, 7 to 8:30 p.m., and again on March 24, April 14 and May 14.
St. Anthony Maronite, 145 Amesbury St., Lawrence: Parish celebrates the feast of its founder, St. Maron, on Monday, 7 p.m. and Tuesday, 9 a.m. The celebration continues Feb. 12 from 6:30 to 8:30 on the life of St.. Maron and the Maronites; Feb. 13, 4 to 6:30 p.m. with divine liturgy and Masses on Feb. 14 are at 9 and 11 a.m.
St. Augustine Parish Center for Religious Education and Ministry, 35 Essex St., Andover: Taylor Armerding, columnist and editorial writer for The Eagle-Tribune speaks on "The Intersection of Faith and Public Policy," on Feb. 23, 7-8:30 p.m.
St. Christopher Episcopal, 187 East Road, Hampstead, N.H.: Bible study on the Gospel of Luke is Sundays, following the 10:15 a.m. service.
St. Frederick, 3 New Boston Road, Kingston, N.H.: Discussion on Roy Schoeman's book, "Jews, Gentile and the Church," on Tuesdays, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
St. Mark the Evangelist, 1 South Road, Londonderry, N.H.: Scripture studies on the psalms Wednesdays through March 24 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
St. Matthew, 2 Searles Road, Windham, N.H.: Evening for married couples, Feb. 20 at 5 p.m. with reflections, candlelight dinner and renewal of vows. Presentation by Chuck and Alice Porembski.
St. Monica, 212 Lawrence St., Methuen: Susan Conroy speaks about her experience working with blessed Teresa of Calcutta following the 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Masses on Sunday. There will be a talk and slide show following the 11:30 a.m. Mass.
St. Patrick, Center Street, Groveland: Rosary for peace group meetings on Thursdays, 7 p.m.
St. Patrick, 118 S. Broadway, Lawrence: A DVD version of "Scenes from a Parish" is shown Feb. 12 at 7 p.m.
St. Theresa of Our Lady of Good Counsel, 22 Plymouth St., Methuen: Sister Anne D'Arcy speaks on prayer Monday, noon to 2 p.m.
St. Thomas Aquinas, 26 Crystal Ave., Derry, N.H.: International Night is Feb. 13, 6 p.m., featuring dishes from more than 40 different countries. Tickets are $10 for adults and $3 for children.
Bible study on the Psalms, Wednesdays to March 24, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
South Church, 41 Central St., Andover: Saturday Gathering is Feb. 13, 4 p.m. The Mardi Gras-themed program focuses on the intangible gifts in one's lives. There will be music, games and activities followed by worship at 5:30 p.m.
Temple Emanu-El, 514 Main St., Haverhill: Sabbath service honors all scouts Feb. 12, 7 p.m.
Book discussion: Rabbi Louis Rieser of Etz Hayim Synagogue of Derry, N.H. speaks on his book, "The Hillel Narratives: What the Tales of the First Rabbi Can Teach Us About Judaism," on Feb. 27, noon.
Trinity Episcopal, 26 White St., Haverhill: The Rev. Jane Bearden discusses the 1979 Book of Common Prayer used in the episcopal church, Feb. 21, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Unitarian Universalist, Haverhill: Bible study on "The Bible: Trouble and Blessings" is a discussion on the scriptures and its relevance to contemporary issues Feb. 16, March 2 and 16, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Book discussion on "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pasch, a college professor who was dying of pancreatic cancer is Feb. 25, 7 p.m.
The Rev. Frank Clarkson leads introduction to the church, history and theology: Feb. 28, March 7 and 14, 9 to 10:15 a.m.
West Parish, 129 Reservation Road, Andover: Youth led worship service focusing on the spirituality of the Lakota people, on Sunday, 10 a.m.
Speaker Kate Margolese discusses the United Church of Christ disaster recovery in Iowa: Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
Video series on "The Gospel According to Rob and Laura Petrie," is Feb. 26, March 5, 12 and 19, 7:30 to 9 p.m. Participants watch an episode from the original "Dick Van Dyke Show" followed by discussion with Bible references.
Benefit concert by Carolyn Wilkins and John Voigt performing a jazz concert Feb. 28 at 3 p.m: Proceeds will benefit the youth group's mission trip to South Dakota. Donations accepted.
