Kairos: A Consort of Singers, under the direction of Dr. Edward Lundergan on Sunday, May 12, at 3 p.m. The program will be performed in the intimate and acoustically superb chapel of the Holy Cross Monastery, 1615 Route 9W, West Park.

The text of J.S. Bach’s Cantata 138 has been attributed to the great Nuremberg meistersinger Hans Sachs. “Warum betrübst du dich, mein Herz?” is the question asked in the opening chorus; “Why do you trouble yourself, my heart?” The theme is developed over the course of seven movements, with the choir serenely advising trust in God and solo voices expressing anxiety, questioning, and uncertainty. The disparity between belief and doubt is resolved in the final chorale, which is an expansive fantasy featuring a bravura and joyful accompaniment in the orchestra.

Also on the program, “Tilge, Hoechster, meine Sünde,” an arrangement of Pergolesi’s well known (and heartbreaking) Stabat Mater. For his text, Bach uses a paraphrase of Psalm 51, a plea for compassion and forgiveness of sin.

Kairos’s critically acclaimed Bach Cantata Series is now in its 13th year. The cantatas are performed in the context of evensong, a meditative vespers tradition that can be traced to the medieval church. The service provides an unparalleled opportunity to hear Bach’s cantatas, which are among his most significant and celebrated compositions, in the context for which they were written.

Evensong is remarkably inclusive: People of all faiths and of none return year after year. It is a contemplative, joyful observance, and offers impeccable and poignant performances of Bach’s most intimate and spiritual music. The series has become an integral part of the cultural and musical life of the Hudson Valley, and continues to receive wide critical acclaim.

Evensong is always free to the public, and all are welcome, regardless of religious affiliation (or lack thereof). A $10 suggested donation helps fund the Bach Cantata Series and ensure its continuity.

It is suggested that audience members arrive at the venue at least 20 minutes before the performance to secure seating.

Founded in 1994, Kairos: A Consort of Singers is the premier vocal ensemble of the Hudson Valley. Kairos specializes in the unaccompanied choral literature from the medieval to the present-day, and has also performed with the Hudson Valley Philharmonic, the Bach Festival Orchestra, the Esopus Chamber Orchestra, and the Hudson Valley Philharmonic String Quartet. The group serves as Artists-in-Residence at Holy Cross Monastery in West Park, and performs throughout the Hudson Valley and beyond.

For more information, visit .kairosconsort.org or call 845-256-9114. Directions to the monastery can be found on its website.