Martyr play reveals hidden history

Before the gallows was packed away, the performance of The Martyrdom of Saint John Ogilvie was being considered for revival in 2015. That will be 400 years after the man was hanged at Glasgow Cross.

The story of the Scottish Catholic priest who was tortured, tried and convicted for treason in the climate of major change in the run up to the Reformation was told and re-told 11 times during Lentfest in churches in and beyond Glasgow.

At the final night in St Aloysius’ Church, Garnethill, the dramatic events unfolded before an audience of around 200. Principal actor, script writer, director and van driver Stephen Callaghan, showed clearly how this man died to defend religious freedom for everyone. The cast presented a moving story that made sense of history.

Stephen – who is also Director of Lentfest, an arts and music festival promoted by the Archdiocese of Glasgow – said: ‘This has been so worthwhile. We have a wonderful cast and crew from all over Glasgow and beyond and of different backgrounds and faiths. Each has brought something unique to the play. I hope the play will inspire people to find out more about St John Ogilvie.’

As the final bows were taken, one of the youngest cast members stepped forward spontaneously and thanked Stephen for how she had been welcomed into AGAP Community Theatre. ‘I knew no-one when I arrived,’ said the 16-year-old. ‘Now I have many friends.’

Many of the audience knew little of the martyr Saint John Ogilvie before they arrived, but they left with a new perspective on the freedom to follow any faith today in Scotland and how this has been won by martyrs like St John Ogilvie.

The performance was one of the last major music and drama events held for Lentfest. But during Holy Week there will be ‘Women at the Cross’ in St Alphonsus’ Church on Monday 2 April at 7.30pm.

At University of Glasgow Memorial Chapel there will be the free art exhibition depicting many different artists’ interpretation of events around Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. The exhibition is open 9am till 5pm. Among some of the University’s own artefacts will be Roman nails of the type used in the time of Christ for crucifixion.

On Sunday 15 April at 3pm there will be Ecumenical Stations: Via Lucis: Stations of the Resurrection with prayers and meditations led by the University of Glasgow Chaplaincy Team, Rev Stuart MacQuarrie, Fr John Keenan and Strathclyde University Catholic Chaplain, Fr Brendan Slevin OP, held in Glasgow University’s Memorial Chapel.

Stabat Mater and Martyr Ogilvie provide moving Lentfest productions

Lentfest continues with exciting music and drama.

Don’t miss the only performance of the hauntingly beautiful Stabat Mater by Pergolesi in Glasgow this year. It will be sung on FRIDAY 16 March at 7.30pm, by two soloists from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland who are giving their last performance in the city before going to London to join London Opera companies. Both alumni of the Conservatoire and having graduated with distinction, Soprano Maria Kozlova and Mezzo soprano Beth Baxter will be with the St Patrick’s Ensemble in the glorious acoustic of St Mungo’s Church in Townhead.

This will be the premier of a new Stabat Mater setting by young Scottish composer George Tongchai Duthie and was commissioned by St Patrick’s Ensemble for Lentfest this year. In 2009, the group made its sold-out debut in Edinburgh’s Greyfriars’ Kirk. They were subsequently invited to perform the Vivaldi Four Seasons at the Usher Hall in May 2010. In November 2011, the ensemble returned there to perform works by Vivaldi, Dvořák and Hans Gál.

Tickets £8 (£5 concessions) available from 0141 554 1333 or lentfest@agap.org.uk

The interest in Lentfest events this year has been an exhilarating experience for the organisers. Said Stephen Callaghan, Lentfest Director: ‘The growth and demand has been almost overwhelming. There has been response from almost every dioceses in Scotland and interest from Venezuela, Russia and Italy. For some people the event they attend this Lentfest may be their only experience of Church for a year. I believe the Holy Spirit is at work.’

Among the drama events is the absorbing production of the Martyrdom of St John Ogilvie. Written and produced by Lentfest director Stephen Callaghan

himself, it is based on the dramatic events that surrounded the death of Scotland’s martyr, John Ogilvie, who died at Glasgow Cross in 1615. Because the actor rehearsing to play the part of Ogilvie, had to move to another part of the country at the last minute – the understudy Stephen Callaghan – had to step in by default. Performed by AGAP Community Theatre which includes many people who are acting for the first time, the touring production can be found on the following dates and locations among others: Saturday 17 March at 7.30pm St Gregory’s, Wyndford; Sunday 18 March at 2.00pm (Matinee) St Martin’s, Renton; Friday 23 March at 7.30pm St Helen’s, Langside; Saturday 24 March at 7.30pm St Lucy’s, Abronhill. For full details and for the entire programme for Lentfest check the website: www.agap.org.uk/lentfest

 

Lentfest and Holy Week events

The wonderful selection of events and art works for Lentfest are underway. Check the website www.lentfest.co.uk

One of the highlights will be on  Wednesday 7 March at 7.30pm in the University of Glasgow Memorial Chapel when James MacMillan, Scottish composer, will introduce his own work ‘Why is this night different?’  It is centred around the Passover inspired String Quartet No 2 and will be played by St Patrick’s Ensemble.

There are also talks, exhibitions and the launch of the play by Stephen Callaghan, The Martyrdom of Saint John Ogilvie. This will tour almost a dozen community church halls starting on Saturday 10 March at 7.30pm in Glasgow University Memorial Chapel and finishing on Saturday 31 March at St Aloysius Church in Garnethill. It will be performed by people from across the Archdiocese of Glasgow as AGAP Community Theatre.

During Holy Week Glasgow Cathedral in Castle Street G4, will be the venue for three important works. On Monday 2 April the Great Passiontide Works for Organ – Bach, Brahms, Liszt and Reubke – will be played by Iain Simcock.  On Tuesday 3 April he will direct the Choir of Glasgow Cathedral in Miserere (Allegri, Charpentier, Victoria, Brahms, Bruckner, Poulenc). On Wednesday 4 April, Iain will lead Lecons de tenebres by Francois Couperin with Morgane Collomb, soprano, Laura Jarrell, soprano and Alexandre Ducene, Viole de gambe.

 

Lentfest luminaries launch arts programmes.

Arts festival LENTFEST was blessed with high powered backers at its launch on Tuesday 21 February, including the Vatican’s Culture Cardinal, Gianfranco Ravasi.

Started by Archbishop of Glasgow, Mario Conti ten years ago as he took office, Lentfest has grown to be a major source of creative Christian endeavour across the city from just before the start of Lent till after Easter. It involves all three universities and churches in every part of the Archdiocese.

Said Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at the launch: ‘Lentfest helps mutual awareness and respect. It confirms Glasgow as the Scottish Cultural Capital and the city can be extremely proud of this celebration of faith through the arts.’ On behalf of the University of Glasgow, Vice Principal Professor Graham Caie praised the ‘terrific programme of music and drama’ and reminded the large audience gathered in the University’s Memorial Chapel, that the University had been founded in 1451 by Pope Nicholas V, then head of the Catholic Church.

Bailie John McLaughlin brought greetings and good wishes from Glasgow’s Lord Provost, Bob Winter and said: ‘We hope Lentfest will continue to play an important part in the cultural life of the city and of the Archdiocese. The Catholic Church and the wider Christian community play a vital role in this city.’

Festival Director Stephen Callaghan who said he ‘fixed the nuts and bolts’ admitted he felt humbled by the gathering for this year’s launch. He said: ‘It is hard not to be emotional about the great community of good will towards Lentfest.’ After reading out the letter of support from Cardinal Ravasi he said: ‘Never in my wildest dreams did I think we’d receive such endorsement. It is wonderful to have this. But it is also wonderful to have the card with good wishes from a local Father who has nourished Lentfest from the beginning.’

The programme includes talks on the influence of Christian faith set against the backdrop of the Art Exhibition in the University Memorial Chapel which has work from Peter Howson, Richard Demarco, Jolomo (John Lowrie Morrison) among many other prominent artists. There will be music ranging from Scotland’s pre-eminent composer, James MacMillan’s work ‘Why is this night different?’ with the composer, himself, introducing it – to The Hound of Heaven, a six song cycle for solo tenor and piano and Alessandra Pompili playing Franz Liszt’s score of the Way of the Cross with the projection of pictures that inspired its composition.

The children of St Joseph’s Primary School in Faifley, Clydebank sang at the launch to highlight the appeal for 1000 people to assemble at 7pm on Monday 19 March in St Margaret’s church Clydebank and St Anne’s in Dennistoun to pray, sing and laugh together to bring spiritual hope to communities.

The highlight of this year’s Lentfest will be an exhibition of the Stations of the Cross and Resurrection, as well a production of the Martyrdom of St. John Ogilvie, Scotland’s martyr who was hanged at Glasgow Cross in 1615. Written by StephenCallaghan, Lentfest director, he will have to play the main character because the actor preparing to do that, has had to drop out of the production. The drama will be seen in eleven venues across the city.

For full details of Lentfest see website: www.agap.org.ukwhich is the Archdiocese of Glasgow’s Arts Project.

 

Chaplaincy to host major art fest

The  chaplaincy of Glasgow University  is working with the Archdiocese to promote Lentfest – an arts festival held during the preparation time before Easter.

Twenty-nine artists from across the UK will take part in a major exhibition of Stations of the Cross and Resurrection at the University.

The strong line-up includes Peter Howson, Jolomo (John Lowrie Morrison), Anne Devine, Sandy Moffat and Richard Demarco alongside regular participants such as Sarah T. Bookless, Brendan Berry and David T. Collins.

Lentfest Director, Stephen Callaghan explains: ‘The popularity of the exhibition topic illustrates the timelessness of Biblical subject matter and the diversity of the artists will no doubt ensure a wide range of interpretations. We’ve never had so many artists take part and not all of them are Christian so it will be interesting to see what they come up with.’

Archbishop Mario Conti, Lentfest’s patron, added: ‘I am delighted that we have the support of the University of Glasgow Chaplaincy for this exhibition and I hope that many people will visit it during Lent and use it as a means of reflection and prayer.’

Among the highlights of Lentfest will be a new play about the martyrdom of Saint John Ogilvie who died at Glasgow Cross in 1615. A weekend of music workshops will be led by James MacMillan and Father Guy Nichols from the John Henry Newman Institute for Liturgical Music in Birmingham. The first performance of Graham Hair’s new version of  ’The Seven Last Words’ with liturgical dance is also scheduled.

Glasgow University’s multifaith centre is expecting VIP visitors next year. The Rev. Stuart MacQuarrie, senior cleric at the church in the Square said: ‘We expect the Moderator of the Church of Scotland, Right Rev. David Arnott and Glasgow’s Archbishop Mario Conti. We also plan a service for couples being married.’

Apart from the Lentfest exhibition, Glasgow University’s multifaith centre (the chaplaincy) is expecting VIP visitors. Said Rev. Stuart MacQuarrie, senior cleric at the church in University Square: ‘We expect a visit from the Moderator of the Church of Scotland, Right Rev. David Arnott and Glasgow’s Archbishop Mario Conti. We also plan a service for couples being married.’

Actors wanted for touring drama

There is still time to audition for an exciting play which will tour Glasgow during March and April as part of Lenfest 2011.

Titled ‘The Turnaround’ the play follows the life of Adam, a Glasgow ned with a big chip on his shoulder. He jumps off a bridge to finish things but is rescued by a volunteer from a church  soup kitchen  which feeds homeless people.  However, the  rescuer, himself, dies in his efforts to save Adam. What effect this has on Adam is what the play is about.

Anyone aged 16 or over and who can attend rehearsals on Monday and Thursday evenings and tour with the production from 25 March till 16 April this year is invited to attend an audition on Monday 24 January at 7.30pm in St Michael’s church hall, 1350 Gallowgate, Glasgow G31 4DJ (at Parkhead Cross, opposite Cineworld and behind the Forge Shopping Centre)

Otherwise call 0141 554 1333 or email: info:agap.org.uk for more details or another time for an audition.  Male and female actors are needed and backstage helpers too! For a full list of characters and other information see website: www.agap.org.uk

The play has been written by Stephen Callaghan especially for the Lentfest 2011 programme and is being produced by AGAP Theatre

Timeless themes resonate as Lentfest opens

Ash Wednesday at St Charles Borromeo in North Kelvinside was the venue for the launch of Lentfest 2010, an annual celebration of faith through art which is organised by the Archdiocese of Glasgow Arts Project (AGAP).
Festival patron Mario Conti, Archbishop of Glasgow, visited St Charles – home to 14 world-famous sculptures by Benno Schotz depicting the Stations of the Cross – to meet some of the performers, composers and writers whose music and words will be heard across Greater Glasgow over the six weeks of Lent.
They include composer James MacMillan, who has written new work for a Laetare Sunday concert in St Columba’s Church, Woodside, on March 14.
Festival director Stephen Callaghan has written a play on the life of St Jean Marie Vanney, the patron saint of priests, which will be performed by AGAP Theatre at 10 venues.
With service a theme of Lentfest, Stephen’s play is a quirky telling of the saint’s life set in Glasgow and narrated by the Devil, using humour and contemporary music to examine the issues faced by those serving in the priesthood today.
Archbishop Conti said: ‘My interest in art goes back to my family and I also had a great privilege of being in Rome as a student. There was so much artistically to inspire me and it always seemed in the best tradition of the church that art was engaged. Much of Western art had its origin in the church and the liturgy of the church, so it’s not us getting onto a bandwagon, it’s us being faithful to our past.
‘It seems to me this (Lentfest) is very pastoral because those who are in the arts are expressing their feelings, their faith. I’m very comfortable with the way this is developing – it’s in its third year now – and there’s a lot of interest from within the Catholic community, where we’ve got a lot of talented people, but also from outside the community, which is what we want to happen.’
Amid the festival’s more conventional musical and choral events, poetry and readings, Lentfest will also stage the UK premier of Dr Steve Davismoon’s sound installation, Towards The Water’s Edge.
Created with thousands of sound samples of water and played to an audience seated inside a pyramid of 16 loudspeakers situated in St Charles, the composer traces the ‘life’ of the River Arno in Tuscany as it passed from its mountain source through Florence and Pisa until it reaches the Mediterranean Sea.
Londoner Steve, a reader in the Ian Tomlin Academy of Music at Edinburgh Napier University, told LOCAL NEWS: ‘I had wanted to chart the life of a river for a variety of reasons. There are so many poetic examples, so many in music of drawing similarities between one’s life journeys and a river.’
Steve’s choice of the Arno was inspired by Guido d’Arezzo, the medieval Benedictine scholar.
‘He pretty much invented music notation for us and he worked on the banks of the Arno … the Arno flows through Florence, which is the birthplace of opera. So, for me it was not just the chance to chart the life of a river but to chart music history.’
Lentfest events run until Sunday, March 28. www.lentfest.co.uk