Lyrica Sacra

The musical traditions of the conservative Anabaptist Christian churches are focused on four-part, acappella singing. Children are taught hymns early and master four-part harmony in their teens. For this community, musical instruments might be played in the home, if at all. 

“More assimilated Anabaptists, some Mennonites and Brethren, have used music instruments in Sunday worship for some time,” says Steven Nolt of Elizabethtown College’s Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies,

Yuri Kravets, a conservative Christian who immigrated from the Ukraine, has brought together a chorus with string, woodwind, and brass orchestra instruments. The group is called Lyrica Sacra and is giving conservative Anabaptist musicians an outlet to use their talent in a God-honoring way.

Although Kravets would like to expand Lyrica Sacra’s outreach, the logistics make it difficult. The group now includes 110 members, with 80 in the chorus and 30 musicians, and there are few stages in Lancaster County that can accommodate the full group. Also, some members live two hours or more away from rehearsals and concerts, and others come from out of state. If Lyrica performs at retirement communities or other venues, they do so with a smaller group.

Lyrica Sacra’s 2017 performances drew more than 2,000 spectators. This year, Lyrica Sacra’s free concert was held April 14 and 15 at 7 p.m at the Lancaster Mennonite School, 2176 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster. We were privileged to attend Sunday evening and the music was excellent. It was the first time I saw a woman wearing a head covering playing the drums.

The program was live streamed and can be seen here. The music begins at 18 minutes.

https://livestream.com/lancastermennonite/BeforeJehovahGod-Saturday/videos/173373197?t=1523882832410

If that doesn't work, here is a selection from last year's program.