Music News
Under blue skies, dressed in black, stand the members of Christian band Darkness Divided. In the serenity of a forest clearing, the band members’ hands are stretched straight up, revealing streams of thick, dark blood pouring from wounds artificially created on their open palms. In the background, lyrics suggestive of Christ’s crucifixion are belted out supported by the severe guitar and drum sounds typical of a metalcore band. This is a scene from “The Hands that Bled,” a single off the band’s newly released album, Written in Blood.
Show can go on for Turkey’s ‘Rockin’ Imam’
By Jacob Resneck, Religion News ServiceISTANBUL - Turkey’s religious authorities have given the go-ahead for the country’s controversial “Rockin’ Imam” to keep on rocking.
Famed organist Christie to perform in Toronto
By Allison Hunwicks, The Catholic RegisterTORONTO - Prolific organist James David Christie is coming to Toronto to perform what appears to be a tour-de-force concert.
Composer humbled by continued response to his 1979 hymn
By Darlene J.M. Dela Cruz, Catholic News ServiceHONOLULU - Fr. Jan Michael Joncas has composed more than 300 liturgical songs, but his name is widely known for the one that tops a list of favourites: “On Eagle’s Wings.”
New site opens up possibilities for music ministry
By Allison Hunwicks, The Catholic RegisterTORONTO - A whole new world of musical opportunity has opened up for parishes and schools with the release of an online church music catalogue through a partnership between Novalis Publishing and LicenSing Online.
Famed organist/composer Massimo Nosetti succumbs to cancer
By Allison Hunwicks, The Catholic RegisterMassimo Nosetti, organist and composer, died Nov. 12 at the age of 53 after being diagnosed with cancer in October.
A blending of medieval, modern
By Allison Hunwicks, The Catholic RegisterBack in the 1300s, it’s doubtful that French composer Guillame de Machaut was imagining his newly written Messe de Nostre Dame being re-born in a future far, far away.
Work and prayer put to song
By Ruane Remy, The Catholic RegisterThere’s a very thin layer between heaven and Earth. That’s how Monica Fitzgibbons describes her experience listening to the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles Sisters as they recorded Angels and Saints at Ephesus.
Evangelizing through the beauty of music
By Allison Hunwicks, The Catholic RegisterChris Bray is steadfast and earnest on record, steadfast and earnest on stage, steadfast and earnest throughout a simple phone call.
Unique organ festival comes to an end
By Allison Hunwicks, The Catholic RegisterTORONTO - Organix, the only festival of its kind in Toronto with its focus on the pipe organ, will cease to exist in its current form once the closing Gala Performance wraps up on June 7.
Organized Crime more than a novelty act
By Allison Hunwicks, The Catholic RegisterTORONTO - Anyone who has ever attended an organ recital knows that no good concert is complete without stilettos. At least, that’s according to hot and humourous duo Organized Crime, whose Betty and Veronica good looks, costumed antics and serious musical chops are turning the organ world on its head.