If you love Orthodox chants and live in Southern California, don’t miss this story—it might lead you to your next unforgettable concert.
This past Father’s Day, my wife surprised me with one of the most thoughtful and moving gifts I’ve ever received. While browsing online for ideas, she stumbled upon a concert titled "Music Of The All Night Vigil" by a group called Vox Obscura. She immediately knew this was perfect for me. I’m always on the lookout for live Orthodox chants—which are hard to find in Southern California—so this was something truly special.
What made it even better? The performance was going to be held at St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Irvine, a church we had visited before and loved. The tickets were surprisingly affordable, so we even got to sit up close near the front. I was already excited, but the closer we got to the concert date, the more I realized how much this meant to me.
The Perfect Venue
We arrived about 15 minutes early. The sky was still a deep blue, and the warm California air felt just right. As we approached the church, the familiar Byzantine architecture greeted us with its golden domes and elegant arches. It felt like stepping into a sacred time capsule.
We made our way through the doors, kissed the icons at the entrance, and paused to soak in the stillness. The inside of St. Paul’s was glowing. Candlelight flickered softly against the golden iconostasis. The mosaics and icons all around seemed to come alive. I stood under the massive dome for a moment, gazing up at the image of Christ Pantocrator. Surrounded by the saints in every direction, I honestly felt like we had stepped into a heavenly choir.
We found our seats a few rows from the front. The pews were beginning to fill with guests—some Orthodox, some not—but everyone had that same look of quiet anticipation on their face. You could sense we were all about to experience something beautiful.
A Concert That Spoke to the Soul
1. The Opening Moments
As the lights dimmed and the church grew quiet, the singers entered from the back of the nave, walking slowly up the aisle. It immediately created a sense of sacred procession. Then, a single deep note rang out from Alexander Mayang, the ensemble’s octavist. His voice was so rich and resonant, it seemed to vibrate through the floor beneath us. It was as if the church itself was responding.
One by one, the other vocalists joined in, layering harmonies like incense. The effect was stunning. The sound filled every corner of the church, wrapping around the congregation like a soft wave of light.
2. A Journey Through Tradition
They guided us through a sacred journey that spanned languages, cultures, and centuries. Chants in Church Slavonic, Arabic, and English each brought something unique. The singers rotated between:
- Group chants featuring lush harmonies
- Solo performances that let individual voices shine
- Pairings of male and female voices, or moments where only one group sang
Highlights of the Evening:
- Slavic Chants carried deep emotion, calling us to stillness and awe.
- Arabic Hymns brought a mysterious beauty and otherworldly mood.
- English Settings helped the audience follow along and connect.
The performers moved with grace and purpose throughout the space. At times they sang from the front, facing the audience; other times, they sang from the sides or even formed a circle at the center of the church. Their movement wasn’t just for show—it was choreographed with the church’s acoustics in mind. Each placement allowed their voices to reach everyone in the room, making the performance feel intimate no matter where you were seated.
3. Musical Craft and Artistic Excellence
We were especially impressed by the solo performance of Emily Valenzuela, one of the sopranos. Her voice soared with clarity and emotion, and you could hear a respectful silence fall over the audience each time she began to sing.
Even more impressive was their mastery of instrumentation. Traditional Orthodox choirs usually sing a cappella, so hearing some of the chants accompanied by gentle instrumental music added something new and deeply moving. The combination of ancient melodies with subtle instrumental textures created moments of haunting beauty.
Their ability to alternate voices, pair different timbres, and balance dynamics showed a level of professionalism that made the evening feel like more than a concert—it was an offering.
Why This Night Mattered
1. A Sacred Space for Sacred Sound
St. Paul’s Church offered the perfect setting. The high ceilings and soft acoustics made each note shimmer. Candlelight flickered on golden mosaics. The air felt holy.
We weren’t watching performers. We were part of something bigger. Something timeless.
2. A Gift That Will Stay With Me
I kept glancing at my wife during the performance. She held my hand tightly during certain chants, and I could tell she was just as moved as I was. This wasn’t just a thoughtful gift—it was a spiritual moment we shared together during this season of the risen Christ. We walked out of the church lighter, more peaceful, and deeply grateful.
3. A Standing Ovation
At the end of the performance, the audience rose to their feet and clapped. It was a well-deserved, heartfelt show of appreciation. People weren’t just clapping out of politeness—it was a true testimony to the impact the ensemble had made on all of us.
We had hoped to thank the performers in person, but by the time we reached the front of the church, they were surrounded by guests. We had to rush home to relieve our nanny, but our hearts were full.
Who Is Vox Obscura?
Vox Obscura is a Southern California-based ensemble made up of talented professional singers and musicians who specialize in early sacred, folk, and art music. Their mission isn’t limited to any one faith tradition. Rather, they offer cultivated concerts inspired by a wide variety of early music traditions—Orthodox Christian chants among them.
This was one of the most beautiful things about the evening: although this is not an Orthodox choir, these young, passionate artists took the time to learn and present Orthodox chants with deep reverence and care. Church choirs in Orthodox parishes already do a beautiful job with our hymns, but hearing a dedicated early music ensemble sing these same sacred texts in multiple languages added a fresh, almost exotic element to the night.
My wife is from Bosnia and I grew up in Morocco, so we both have a keen ear for pronunciation and musical phrasing—especially in Slavic and Arabic. It was easy for us to pick up on the vocalists’ accents in some of the non-English chants, particularly the Arabic ones. But despite the accent, they did an amazing job. Their devotion to capturing the spirit of each piece was evident, and we were deeply moved.
- Learn more about Vox Obscura: voxobscura.org
- Contact them: vox.obscura.info@gmail.com
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Final Take Away
Vox Obscura gave us a rare and unforgettable gift. As a non-Orthodox ensemble, they took the time to study and respectfully perform Orthodox chants from various traditions—something we don’t often get to experience live in Southern California. Their dedication, reverence, and musical precision brought the ancient melodies to life in a way that truly touched our hearts.
We were especially moved by how they used the entire church as part of the performance—moving with intention, forming harmonies that echoed through the space, and creating a sacred atmosphere. It was more than a concert. It felt like prayer.
We’re so grateful we were able to be part of this. If you ever see their name come up—Vox Obscura—don’t hesitate. Whether you're passionate about Orthodox chants, curious about early music, or simply looking for a peaceful, spiritual evening, their concerts offer something rare and meaningful.
Until then, may your home be filled with peace, and your heart with song.If you ever get the chance to attend a Vox Obscura concert, especially if you love Orthodox chants, Byzantine music, or sacred choral traditions, please don’t hesitate. Go.
This wasn’t just a concert. It was a moment of prayer, peace, and unity—one we’ll remember for a long time.
Have you ever been to a concert like this? I’d love to hear about it in the comments. And if you haven’t, keep your eyes open. There is something truly life-giving about hearing these chants live, especially in a space that invites prayer.
Until then, may your home be filled with peace, and your heart with song.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can visit their official website at voxobscura.org and scroll to the events section for details on upcoming performances. They regularly update their schedule, especially during liturgical seasons like Great Lent or the season of the risen Christ. If you’re interested in sacred choral music, bookmark their site and check back often.
No. Vox Obscura is not an Orthodox choir. Their mission is broader and beautifully unique. This ensemble brings together professional vocalists and instrumentalists to explore early music traditions across cultures. Their programs include Orthodox chants, Byzantine music, sacred folk melodies, and early Western Christian hymns. Each concert reflects their exotic mission to recover and share the light elements of sacred music history.
They currently focus on venues in Southern California. But their vision is expanding. Follow them on Instagram, join their email list, or check their website to stay updated. If their exotic quest leads them to your city—go. You won’t regret it.
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