by Kara Hansen
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Three concerts to be performed in the archdiocese will give Catholics an opportunity for a unique Lenten experience.
Singer/songwriter Tajci (pronounced “Tai-chee”) will be performing a musical adaptation of the Crucifixion story at three area churches.
“This is a spiritual experience with someone who is dynamic in music,” said Judy Vogelsang, a parishioner at St. John the Baptist Church in Kansas City, Kan. “It will really draw you into the Lenten experience and Crucifixion story.”
The concerts are free with open seating, though there will be a freewill offering taken up to help cover Tajci’s expenses. Concerts will be held at St. John the Baptist Church in Kansas City, Kan., on March 12; Holy Trinity Church in Lenexa on March 13; and St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center on March 14.
Vogelsang said she hoped people would take advantage of this moving spiritual experience.
“She has a very powerful voice that connects the spiritual side of her,” said Vogelsang.
Tajci was originally born and raised in Croatia, where she began performing pop music at a young age. She shot to musical stardom in Central Europe at the age of 19.
Though Americans are less likely to have heard of her, that’s due more to geography than a reflection of her talent. Tajci’s records went diamond and platinum in Europe, and the tabloids were filled with photos and news of her concerts.
War came to Croatia in 1991 and, at the age of 21, Tajci left Croatia and made the United States her new home. Eventually she began singing in churches across the country. She offers four different programs focused on various liturgical themes. It is one of those programs, “I Thirst,” that she will be performing in the archdiocese next month.
“Kansas City is in for a treat,” said Vogelsang. “It’s a very spiritual experience.”
“I Thirst” is a musical adaptation of the Crucifixion story. It presents the Way of the Cross through a continuous flow of music and songs, including contemporary Christian favorites, Hebrew and Gregorian chants, classic hymns, and original songs written by Tajci.
