Inspired by the Liturgy of Evening Prayer, also known as Evensong, Stained Glass Vespers is a multi-sensory event celebrating the intersection of art and faith, exploring worship as an art-based inquiry.
The event is free, open to the public, and designed to be accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Improvisations on the Seven Last Words of Christ
March 29, 2025 at 7 pm
Dr. Zvony Nagy, organist; Rob Draper, narrator
We invite you to explore Lenten themes of forgiveness, salvation, relationship, abandonment, distress, triumph, and reunion through organ improvisations on the Seven Last Words of Christ, performed by Zvony Nagy on the Rosales organ, with narration by Rob Draper.
About the Artists:
Zvony (Zvonimir) Nagy (pronounced /zvônimiːr nadj;/) is a Croatian-born American organist, pianist, choral conductor, composer, and educator.
His musical journey is a testament to his versatility.
Nagy earned a Doctor of Music Composition from Northwestern University and honed his piano and organ performance skills at Texas Christian University, École Normale de Musique, and Schola Cantorum in Paris, France, and the University of Zagreb, Croatia. He was awarded the second prize in the César Franck-Olivier Messiaen International Organ Competition in Haarlem, the Netherlands.
As an organist and pianist, Nagy has performed as a soloist, chamber musician and choral conductor throughout the United States and Europe, showcasing a repertoire that spans classical to contemporary music. His piano and organ recordings are available through PARMA Recordings-Ravello Records, Albany Records and MSR Classics; Universal Edition and Paraclete Press publish his music.
He has a proven track record of internationally recognized scholarly and creative work as a university professor. As an improviser, he draws from historical and experimental improvisation practices, interactive media technologies, and interdisciplinary collaborations. Nagy has directed sacred music at churches and cathedrals nationwide demonstrating his ongoing commitment to church music and leadership experience with various music programs. Currently, he serves as Director of Music and Worship at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Dallas, Texas. For more information and collections of work, visit nagymusic.com.
Rob Draper is a cum laude graduate of both Nebraska Wesleyan (BME) and the University of Texas (MEd). With over 25 years of experience, he has served as a choral and music director in public schools, community groups, and church organizations. Rob studied conducting under Dr. William Wyman and voice under Dr. Richard Grace atNebraska Wesleyan University. He was also a four-year member of the internationally acclaimed Nebraska Wesleyan University Choir and earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Texas.
Draper began his teaching career in Nebraska before moving to North Texas, where he spent 20 years directing high school choirs in Garland, Mesquite, and, most recently, Frisco, where he opened Independence High School. He has served churches in Nebraska and Texas and currently serves as Vocal Music and Visual Art Coordinator for Frisco ISD. Rob also sits on the board of the Plano Civic Chorus and is a member of the Frisco Chorale.
As a performer, Rob’s experiences are diverse and extensive. He has performed as a professional soloist and chorister, and has worked with various ensembles, including jazz, folk, contemporary, and rock groups. His musical theatre experience includes leading and supporting roles in school, community, and professional productions. Rob has also contributed to numerous recording projects for school and church music, as well as professional marketing teams and recording artists.
Rob’s wife, Holly, runs a very successful family law practice. The couple resides in Prosper with their children, Abigail (17) and Jacob (14), and their dogs, Charley (Great Dane) and Sydney (silver lab).
PAST EVENTS:
All Saints' Reflections
November 2, 2024 at 7 pm
in the Atrium
Experience the beauty of All Saints' Day through music, prayer, and reflection with choristers, Michaella Prussack, Ivan Rodriguez, Marcus Rodriguez, and Kelly Schaaf, accompanied by Christina Birdwell on cello, Halie Wyckoff on harp, and Zvony Nagy on organ.
Light and Shadow in Choral Music
May 18, 2024 at 7 pm
IN the Atrium
I the early Summer of 2024, we meditated through sound on the light within and shadow beyond. Held in King of Glory's acoustically splendid Atrium, this Stained Glass Vespers featured the Sanctuary Choir and soloists with responses, hymns, and anthems by Helvey, Lauredsen, Nagy, and Visser.
Reflections on the Cross
Multimedia Meditations on the Cross
Through Music, Images, and Film
March 2, 2024 at 7 pm
Inspired by a series of paintings by American abstract painter, Barnett Newman. Featuring multimedia electronic music and video. The series of meditations on the cross offered a contemplative space for Lenten reflection.
Lema Sabachthani — why? Why did you forsake me? Why forsake me? To what purpose? Why? This is the Passion. This outcry of Jesus. Not the terrible walk up the Via Dolorosa, but the question that has no answer. This overwhelming question that does not complain, makes today’s talk of alienation, as if alienation were a modern invention, an embarrassment. This question that has no answer has been with us so long — since Jesus — since Abraham — since Adam — the original question.
Lema? — to what purpose — is the unanswerable question of human suffering.
Can the Passion be expressed by a series of anecdotes, by fourteen sentimental illustrations? Do not the Stations tell of one event?
The first pilgrims walked the Via Dolorosa to identify themselves with the original moment, not to reduce it to a pious legend; nor even to worship the story of one man and his agony, but to stand witness to the story of each man’s agony; the agony that is single, constant, unrelenting, willed — world without end. - Barnett Newman