Whiteacre: The Sacred Veil

An Unforgettable Evening with The Bechtler Ensemble

As the first haunting notes of Whiteacre: The Sacred Veil filled the Christ Church Charlotte the evening of January 24, 2025, a hush fell over the audience. The voices of the choir intertwined seamlessly with the ethereal sound of Tanja Bechtler’s cello, creating a moment suspended in time.

It was more than a performance, it was an experience, a profound journey through love, loss, and healing.

As one of the season's most moving Charlotte music events, this performance was a testament to the power of collaborative music performances in shaping a shared emotional landscape.

What is The Sacred Veil?

Composed by the renowned Eric Whitacre, The Sacred Veil is a deeply personal and emotionally charged piece, created in collaboration with poet Charles Anthony Silvestri. The composition explores themes of life, love, and grief through a choral and instrumental tapestry that resonates on a visceral level. Inspired by Silvestri’s own experience with the loss of his wife, Julie to ovarian cancer in 2005, the piece serves as a musical meditation on human connection and resilience.

Taking 12 years to complete, The Sacred Veil unfolds across 12 movements, each encapsulating a different phase of life and remembrance. From the very first moment, The Veil Opens, the audience is drawn into an introspective and reflective journey. The piano sets this mood beautifully by stating the theme in C minor, soon to be joined by a soulfully sustained C note from the cello. Then, the choir enters with a single repeated C, chanting:

“Whenever there is birth or death, the sacred veil between the worlds grows thin and opens up slightly.”

This delicate interplay of voices and instruments sets the tone for an experience that is both intimate and profound. Throughout the performance, the audience is enveloped in a soundscape that shifts from sorrowful reflection to moments of transcendent beauty, embodying the fragile boundary between death and life and grief and love.

Whitacre’s composition doesn’t merely tell a story—it immerses the audience in an emotional soundscape that leaves a lasting impression.

The Bechtler Ensemble’s Unique Approach

Tanja Bechtler is known for more than just her exceptional musicianship—she brings customized musical concerts to life, curating programs that awaken the imagination, lift the spirit and evoke deep emotions.

In this particular performance, Bechtler collaborated with the Charlotte Master Chorale Chamber Singers and pianist Philip Biedenbender, demonstrating the beauty of a program featuring choir and a solo instrument like the cello.

Tanja’s ability to connect with other musicians elevates the experience for the listeners many times over.

Be a Part of the Next Experience

The power of music lies in its ability to unite people on an emotional, heart centered level and Tanja Bechtler is dedicated to continuing this mission. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of future unforgettable community music events.

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