A group of college kids is headed to Alaska this month with the aim of stirring souls and inspiring churches to embrace the largely forgotten but rich tradition of sacred choral music.

Beatus Choral Ensemble is a professional choir that includes Alaska grown singer Arianna Fouch and two other students from the University of Steubenville, Ohio. The trio formed three years ago out of a love for the traditional music and liturgy of the Catholic Church. Their hope is to spread this passion by exposing people to time-honored music that has moved Christians for centuries.

“We all look forward to touring Alaska and singing for everyone,” Fouch said of the upcoming events.

Beatus presents “Night Voices,” a concert reflecting on the dark night of the soul and the redemptive mercy of God.

Since launching in 2017, Beatus has quickly grown a following throughout Ohio, Pennsylvania, and other regions. Specializing in sacred music, particularly Gregorian chant and music of Renaissance composers, Beatus works to nudge churches a little closer to the heavenly ideal of music.

Fouch is the group’s soprano. Born and raised in Alaska, she long dreamed of the day she could make a difference in Alaska churches through sacred music. She will be joined by Matt Wagner and Luke Ponce as the three singers tour Anchorage while on spring break.

On Tuesday, March 10, Beatus presents “Night Voices,” a concert reflecting on the dark night of the soul and the redemptive mercy of God. Seamlessly blending the lieder of German Romantic composer Franz Schubert and the works of Renaissance masters Orlando di Lassus and Michaël Praetorius, the concert takes listeners through images of desolation, mercy, and night.

The evening will begin with a talk on sacred music at 6 p.m. in the Lunney Center at Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral in Anchorage. At 7 p.m. the concert begins in the church.

The event is sponsored by the Anchorage chapter of Catholics United for the Faith, which hosts monthly presentations related to religion, culture, history and apologetics.

OTHER PLACES TO HEAR BEATUS

* March 7, 2 p.m., Dominican Rite Missa Cantata for the Solemnity of St. Thomas Aquinas, Holy Family Cathedral in Anchorage

* March 8, 4 p.m., Dominican Rite Missa Cantata for the Second Sunday in Lent. Holy Family Cathedral

* March 10, 11 a.m., Concert, Pioneer Home in Anchorage

For more information on Beatus, visit their website at beatus-choir.com.

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