Everyone thinks of choral music around this time of year, but not everyone knows how much work goes into producing it. Even on normal weeks, the Christ Church Cathedral choir sings at three of the four regular Sunday services. The Sunday Evensong is broadcast over Radio Ville-Marie at 91.3 FM and on the Internet. The singers may take one Sunday in four ’off’, but are expected to be present at all the other services, as well as the regular Thursday evening rehearsals. This work ramps up during Advent and Christmas season, for both the chorus and choirmaster Patrick Wedd, as there are additional services and concerts, and a great deal of new music to be learned.
The choir has 20 professional members—who usually sing in other choirs as well—and as many volunteers, including congregation members. Rehearsals start promptly at 7:00 p.m. and move along rapidly, with a minimum of instruction. Choristers must be able to read and learn the music quickly. We caught up with Patrick and the choir at their November 30th rehearsal of Advent music.
Music:
Sanctus (Missa Nativitatis), written by Patrick Wedd;
Mary had a baby boy, Traditional spiritual, arranged by Stephen Hatfield
Both pieces can be found on the CD entitled In Dulci Jubilo, by the Choirs of Christ Church Cathedral, conducted by Patrick Wedd, produced in 2000 by Disques ATMA inc. Label: ATMA Classique.
The CD is available here.
Christ Church Cathedral Services and Choir Performances during the holidays
20 Dec Blue Christmas
Wednesday | December 20, 2017, 7:00 pm
24 Dec Eucharist and Christmas Pageant
Sunday | December 24, 2017, 4:00 pm
24 Dec Christmas Mass in French
Sunday | December 24, 2017, 7:00 pm
24 Dec Midnight Mass
Sunday | December 24, 2017, 11:00 pm
25 Dec Festival Christmas Mass
Monday | December 25, 2017, 10:00 am
Help us fill the air with music
Your donation to the Campaign will fund the restoration of the Karl Wilhelm organ and the replacement of our concert piano. It will help us pay for the installation of an electronic lift to allow musicians with reduced mobility to access the mezzanine area as well as for repairs to the church interior, lighting and heating systems. Big or small, every donation counts! To help us fill the air with music, please click here.
Have a Say
Have you sung in the choir or performed at a concert at the Cathedral? Have you made the Sing Along Messiah part of your Christmas celebrations? Did you come out to the event for the first time this year? Rising Up! would love to hear from you! Please contact us at Campaign.Communications@montrealcathedral.ca.
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