Ensemble VIII presents “Arvo Pärt Passio – Ancient Echoes, Modern Mystic” on January 25^th at Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church and January 26^th at St. Louis Catholic Church Chapel. Both concerts begin at 7:30 p.m.

Arvo Pärt is arguably the most influential and compelling composer of the late 20^th century. Passio, Pärt’s setting of the story of Christ’s Passion, is one of his greatest and most powerful works. The Estonian composer’s style is hauntingly reminiscent of Medieval chant, but strikingly fresh in sound. The transparent texture intertwines voices with oboe, bassoon, violin, cello, and organ. Passio is a deeply moving work that will transport listeners to another world of sublime transcendence.