Coming up in Philly music: ‘Seven Responses’ to wounds and healing

The conductor of the Crossing, Donald Nally, isn’t afraid to challenge his audience. The Crossing’s latest offering combines seven specially commissioned new works with seven Baroque cantatas that deal with the suffering the different parts of Christ’s body endured during the crucifixion. That may sound esoteric, but it could be one of the major musical events of the year. “Seven Responses is about wounds and about healing,” Nally says on a website that presents a detailed look at his ambitious two-concert project. “It’s about perceptions — of noticing the nails in the feet of our friends, and the amulets around the necks of strangers. It asks questions about the dust of the relics of martyrs...that we fling in the faces of our enemies and friends and by which we create new saints and martyrs.” Two instrumental ensembles, Quicksilver Baroque and the International Contemporary Ensemble, will accompany the Crossing’s small, high class vocal ensemble.

Seven Responses will take place on two evenings, June 24 and June 25 at 8pm at the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral, 23 S. 38th Street, Philadelphia. There will be a special pre-concert lecture both nights at 7pm. General admission tickets for the complete two-night event are $75 ($55 for students). Single concert tickets for each night are $40 ($30 for students). On June 23, you can attend a free open rehearsal at 7pm at the Cathedral. Two-night and one-night tickets (June 24 or June 25) can be purchased in advance online.