Click here for MP3 Files of Music from Christ Church Cathedral
Music
Program
Throughout the year there are a variety of special musical events at Christ Church Cathedral. News of those events will be found here and on our Special Events page. Check back often.
ABOUT THE MUSIC PROGRAM
At the center of the musical life of Christ Church Cathedral is the Cathedral Choir, which leads the congregational worship and supports the singing at the 10:00 Eucharist each Sunday. The Choir's role is an integral part of the solemnity and pageantry of the service. Hymns and anthems are drawn from many musical styles and composers, spanning the past five centuries of sacred composition
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The Cathedral Choir has roughly 40 members, a third of whom are soprano girls and boys aged 7 to 14. In the traditional English fashion, these young singers are given an intensive musical education, rehearse several times weekly, and sing with the adults at all times as fully-fledged members of the Choir. The adults are all volunteers, but — again, in the tradition of the English cathedrals — the youngsters are paid a small stipend to encourage their faithfulness, and to enhance their awareness of the central role that their musical excellence plays in the Cathedral’s worship life.
On its second trip to England, from July 16-August 1 of 2003, we sang services and concerts at Tewksbury Abbey, Lichfield Cathedral, Durham Cathedral, and St. Giles Cathedral, Edinborough. It was a wonderful and uplifting experience for all of us.
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The Cathedral also sponsors a concert series as part of its outreach to the community. Over the past few years, the Choir has performed such major works as Bach's St. Matthew Passion, Magnificat, and Cantata 80 (Ein’ feste Burg), the Gloria by John Rutter, the Requiems of Mozart and Brahms, the Beethoven Mass in C, and Mendelssohn's Elijah. These major concerts are presented in the spring, with full orchestra. In addition, there are frequent concerts by visiting artists and ensembles. On October 1, 2004, we presented a recital on the Cathedral's fine organ by Dr. Herndon Spillman.
The Cathedral Organ, a 1953 Austin of 53 ranks in 5 divisions, has had extensive tonal work, resulting in an unusually vibrant and dramatic instrument. It features a muscular, Germanic Principal Chorus, English-style ensemble reeds in the Swell and a brilliant French Trompette in the Great, lush strings, and vividly colorful flute stops. Visually, it is highlighted by a unique freestanding 32’ Wood Open Diapason in the north transept. The organ's effect is enhanced by the reverberant acoustic in which it stands.
The Spanish-speaking Congregation has its own lively music program, under the direction of José Passalaqua. It has also been blessed with a grant from the United Thank Offering which allowed the purchase of guitars, bongos, tambourines and other Latin American instruments. The Hispanic service has grown into a spiritual feast with an authentic island flavor.
Further information about the music of Christ Church Cathedral
can be obtained by contacting Peter Beardsley at the Cathedral.
His e-mail address is: jp51beardsley2@the-spa.com
