VoXX a cappella ensemble to perform at basilica

LEWISTON — VoXX: Voice of Twenty will perform at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on Friday, June 23, at 7:30 p.m.

The auditioned mid-coast a cappella vocal ensemble will perform its summer program, “Where is Love …” which features music exploring that most human of emotions. Early works, both sacred and secular by Monteverdi, Victoria, Weelkes and Wilbye, are contrasted with contemporary pieces, including two iterations of “Ubi Caritas” (one by Ola Gjeilo and the other by Maurice Duruflé) and a pair of brand-new love songs written for VoXX by music director John Mehrmann.

A small flock of bird songs is also interspersed throughout the program, the strangest of which without a doubt is the enigmatic “Owls,” by Edward Elgar. The group will also reprise “The Bluebird” by Charles Villiers Stanford, with its soaring soprano line. As usual, VoXX will sing in various configurations from duet to small ensemble to full group.

In addition to a cameo performance as part of the Camden Congregational Church’s music festival (June 4 at 4:00 p.m.) VoXX will present four full performances of “Where

Concerts are free and open to the public. Donations to restore the Casavant Organ are gratefully accepted.