Music and tragedy at Denver's grand Gothic cathedral

Sunset, Feb, 1984

Imagine sitting in a dark cathedral, watching the flickering image of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and just as the grotesque hero leaps on the bells, the cathedral's own bells begin to chime. Back for a return engagement February 17 at 8 P.M., the 1923 silent film tragedy with organ accompaniment is part of an ambitious series of free concerts at one of Denver's landmarks.

Started in 1911 (but only partially completed), St. John's Cathedral is a soaring late Gothic revival structure and as a concert hall is impressive for both the acoustics and setting it provides. It seats roughly 900 (go early for The Hunchback of Notre Dame program).

Other concerts this month include the St. John's Schola Cantorum on February 12 at 7 P.M. and an organ concert on February 26 at 4 P.M. Next door at Dagwell Hall, noontime concerts include Menotti's opera The Telephone, on February 14, and a string trio plus organ concert February 28.

The cathedral is at 1313 Clarkson Street in the Capital Hill area; there is plenty of free parking.