Triduum consists of three interrelated works, each representing one of the three days of the Easter Vigil. The first work in the cycles features guest artist Thomas Stacy of the New York Philharmonic, hailed as the "Heifetz of the English horn" by The New York Times and called a "poet among craftsmen" by Leonard Bernstein. Stacy has given the world premieres of more than twenty-five works. In Triduum he is the guest soloist in The World's Ransoming, a haunting and beautiful piece that recollects the events of Maundy Thursday, the night of the Last Supper. Included are references to plainsongs and a Bach chorale that was used in eucharistic progressions to the altar. The harbinger of gathering gloom, the English horn echoes the pivotal point of no return in Jesus' destiny.

MacMillan's Cello Concerto, evoking the spirit of Good Friday, will be performed in three movements by guest soloist Eric Bartlett, also of the New York Philharmonic, who is recognized as a leading performer of contemporary music. Bartlett's cello intones the sardonic gloominess of a plunge into darkness, with sections ranging from "comic songs of the music hall tradition," to a stately waltz and plainsongs from the Good Friday liturgy.

Finally, Symphony: Vigil concentrates on the Easter Vigil itself. The music for the Symphony charts, in emotional terms, the progression from despair to joy, from darkness to light, from death to life. MacMillan says, "It will move from the dark, hammering percussion sounds of the crucifixion...to the final joyous ringing bells of the resurrection...and the offer of renewed life for humanity throughout the world."

What better omen for this wondrous event...the heavens will be in perfect alignment. For only the second time in Festival history, a nearly-full moon will rise over the Eastern horizon, across the San Juan Valley basin, just twenty minutes before the evening performance. As it rises heavenward, perhaps you will find yourselves uplifted as well by this very special performance to conclude the 38th season of Cabrillo Music Festival.