Abbey retreat to teach Gregorian chant

A workshop on Gregorian chants will be held at the Benedictine Abbey of St. Walburga in Virginia Dale, Colo., the weekend of Nov. 21-23.  The retreat, conducted by Sister Hildegard Dubnick, O.S.B., will present some theory and practice to deepen one’s understanding of and appreciation for this powerful art form. Familiarity with modern music notation is helpful, but not required.

The retreat will focus on psalms and antiphons: chants of the Divine Office rather than chants of the Mass. There will be examples of Latin psalmody, the Gregorian musical modes and their respective tones, and simple ways to chant psalms in English.

Participants will have the opportunity to attend liturgies with the nuns, where chanting in both English and Latin can be experienced in its natural setting of worship.

The Abbey of St. Walburga is located 35 miles north of Fort Collins at 32109 North U.S. Highway 287.  Cost of the retreat is $175, which includes private room for two nights and meals.  A pre-registration and deposit of $40 (applicable toward total) are requested to secure a reservation.  Call 970-472-0612 or visit online at walburga.org.