The second annual Tenebrae service, a liturgy of divine readings and prayer, will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 4, at St. John Vianney Church.

In Latin, Tenebrae means darkness. Held during the Christian season of Lent, a Tenebrae Service includes a series of readings, songs and prayers held while candles are extinguished one at a time until it is completely dark. Easter, symbolically, brings the return of the light.

Islander Jennifer Krikawa has gathered a first-rate group of singers and musicians for this sacred concert.

The singers include Julia Benzinger, Holly Boaz, Krikawa and Rebekah Kuzma, with Karin Choo leading a string quintet with Dan Brandt, Mary Manning, Doug Davis, Patrick Christie and Choo. Regular St. John Vianney musicians Charles Lovekin, Michelle Casad and Kevin Pottinger will provide keyboard accompaniment.

The sacred music concert will include excerpts from a 20th century Tenebrae Service by the Argentinian composer Golijov, as well as other beautiful and prayerful works from the very early baroque and late Classic/Romantic periods, including works by Hildegard Von Bingen, Tartini, Bach, Faure, Saint-Saens, Gorecki, Previn.

Last year, the group performed Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater in its entirety.

Tickets are by a suggested donation of $15 at the door.