First Presbyterian Church to Premiere New Choral Work on Maundy Thursday

The First Presbyterian Church of Napa, will hold a special communion service on Maundy Thursday which will feature a new cantata by local composer John Partridge. The service is  open to the public.
The cantata- "Where He Leads Me" uses spoken word and singing to tell the story of Jesus" final days. The work features three soprano soloists - Suzanne Clark, Hunter Hollingsworth, and Deborah Tonella, as well as the church's handbell and chancel choirs, organ, soprano saxophone and strings. The cantata has been written to be a part of a traditional "tenebrae" service (service of darkness). At the beginning of the service, a candelabra holds a seven lit candles. As each major section of the story is told, a candle is extinguished with the final candle being put out at the end of the cantata, symbolizing Jesus' death and burial. The service ends  in darkness and silence. 
Composer John Partridge has become a well-known part of the North Bay musical scene since moving to Sonoma four years ago. His opera - "The Soldiers Who Wanted to Kill Death" was performed last year as part of the Sonoma Nights" series and his church works are frequently performed at the First  Presbyterian Church where he serves as Director of Music.