Funeral Idiomela, Third Boston Byzantine Music Festival
Holy Cross St. Romanos Byzantine Choir performing “Funeral Idiomela” at the third Boston Byzantine Music Festival, hosted by the Mary Jaharis Center for Byzantine Art Culture at Hellenic College Holy Cross, November 13–14, 2015. “Funeral Idiomela,” composed by John Michael Boyer (b. 1978), master cantor, composer, and Hellenic College Holy Cross alumnus, is a setting of St. John the Damascus’ funeral idiomela in English. It was written for the funeral of John Tavener (1944–2013), the English composer whose work was deeply influence by the music of the Orthodox Church. Excerpts from “Funeral Idiomela” were performed at his funeral. John Michael Boyer guest conducted the performance, which was a two-year memorial tribute to Tavener.