Our Choral Program
Music has been a central part of Christ Church’s work and identity since its founding in 1863. Nineteen organist-choirmasters and countless professional and amateur musicians have contributed to this heritage of great music offered to the glory of God. We are pleased to offer participation in our historic choral program to our parishioners and to the community:
The Christ Church Choir is our flagship ensemble, rehearsing every Thursday evening and Sunday morning in preparation for our 10:17am Eucharist during the program year. Its repertoire is extremely varied - challenging at times - but always fun and rewarding. Participation is open to adults, preferably with previous vocal experience, by audition with the Choirmaster. Those who are interested in singing with us but are unable to commit to the rigorous schedule may take part in special events/services throughout the year.
The Christ Church Choristers include children from Pre-K through high school, divided into Junior Choristers, who meet on Sundays at 9:00am and sing every 3-4 weeks, and the Senior Choristers, who meet on Sundays at 11:30am and sing every 2-3 weeks. As an affiliate member of the Royal School of Church Music, we employ the Voice for Life curriculum as the children work their way through various levels of instruction in liturgy, theory, and music history. Membership is open to all interested children, regardless of religious affiliation, and all materials are provided free of charge.
Guest Musicians & Special Events
In addition to our choral ensembles, we employ a wide variety of instrumental and vocal soloists, duos, and ensembles from across New England. In recent years, these have included flautist Natalie Cardin, multi-instrumentalist Dan Meyers, and harpist Ina Zdorovetchi. We have also collaborated with other choirs on occasion, including the Montachusett Chorale and those of Fitchburg State University.
For the 2022-2023 program year, we are pleased to welcome our first Choral Scholar, Dani Chase (Fitchburg State ‘23). This new program provides an opportunity for a local college student to sing as a part of the Choir in exchange for a stipend; applications for the 2023-2024 program year are now being accepted through May 1. Click here for more information and to submit your application today!
Besides the weekly Eucharist, we offer a brief Choral Compline service on the third Thursday of each month, and frequently present major works in concert or for special services. This season includes the Gabriel Faure’s Requiem, Antonio Vivaldi’s Gloria in D major for Christmas Eve, and John Stainer’s The Crucifixion for Good Friday. All services and concerts are live-streamed via our Facebook page, YouTube channel, and on our website.
In previous years, we have held a week-long evening Summer Music Camp in August, culminating in a performance and ice cream social. Children have the opportunity to learn about (and play!) different instruments and styles of music from around the world.
Our Organ
The sounds of the “king of instruments” have graced our worship services for over 150 years. Our first known instrument was E. & G.G. Hook Opus 445 (II/25), in service from 1868 until 1889 after which it was purchased by St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Leominster, MA. This was succeeded by Geo. S. Hutchings Opus 450 from 1898-1927. In 1922, a non-rank Echo division was added by Kimball, Smallman & Frazee in the rear ceiling, from which only the facade pipes remain. In 1928, our current E.M. Skinner Opus 743 (originally IV/38) was completed; substantial revisions were undertaken by M.P. Moller, Inc. in 1961 (R-669), Kinzey-Angerstein in 1976 (R-10), and Czelusniak et Dugal, Inc. in 2009, the last of which included a rebuilt console. The organ presently consists of three manuals and 67 ranks (including a floating antiphonal division) totaling over 4,000 pipes.