Music Ministries

Loved and appreciated by parishioners and people throughout the wider community, our internationally-recognized music program is well known for its contribution to the advancement of Anglican music.

Choirs

The Christ Church Choir

Throughout its 108-year history, the Christ Church Choir has been at the center of the worship life of Christ Church. Whether in liturgy, concert, small ensemble, or full choir, the work of these talented musicians has been widely recognized for its excellence and beauty. The Christ Church Choir is a fully professional ensemble and consists of 18 staff singers and one choral scholar. Occasionally, the Choir expands its roster for concerts, residencies, and other special events. For more information, contact Bruce Barber.

The Christ Church Parish Choir

The Christ Church Parish Choir welcomes avocational singers from our congregation and beyond into an intergenerational choir that sings at the 10:30 AM service monthly, at selected services of Choral Evensong, and at other times throughout the year. The Parish Choir is a foundational choir for our Senior Choristers as they mature into musicians who can participate in a fully voiced ensemble and is anchored by professional musicians from the Christ Church Choir. For information, contact Bruce Barber.

The Chorister Program

Christ Church Choristers comprise singers (ages 6 to 16) who are eager to sing, learn, and serve God in the church. From beginners who are just learning to read music and to create a beautiful singing tone to experienced musicians with excellent skills in music theory and vocal production, this ministry provides an opportunity to lead worship in both the 9:00 and 10:30 AM services. Training is based on standards of the Royal School of Church Music, with recognition awarded as singers attain each new level of achievement. Rehearsals are offered twice weekly on Sundays and Thursdays, with attendance required at one rehearsal. For more information, contact Jo Harney.

Letty Downs Musician in Residence Program

This program began in 1983 and brings a world-renowned musician to Christ Church each year, and what stellar people we have had working in our midst—Stephen Cleobury, Gerre Hancock, Sir Philip Ledger, James Litton, Andrew Lumsden, Philip Moore, James O'Donnell, Simon Preston, Christopher Robinson, John Rutter, and Sir David Willcocks. All have rehearsed and directed the Christ Church Choir; some have presented lectures, seminars, and organ recitals; and others have included a premiere or a commission. With great thanks to Letty Downs' vision, with the official endowment being established in 2011 and the generous support of the Letty Downs Musician in Residence Fund, we continue this tradition today.

John Rutter returns as this season's Musician in Residence for A Christ Church Christmas on December 29 and 30, 2023. 

Christ Church Organs

Brombaugh Opus 32

The Christ Church organ, Opus 32 by John Brombaugh & Associates, was built and installed at Christ Church in 1990. Unique in the opus list of the Brombaugh firm, this organ is known around the world for its stunning beauty, amazing versatility, and economy of scale. With rarely matched authenticity, Opus 32 is able to bring to life music from the early Classic period through music of our own day.

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Fisk Opus 164

The C. B. Fisk Opus 164 was welcomed to the Chapel of the Christ Child in July 2022. Opus 164 is a 12 stop, two manual and pedal organ that is scaled, voiced, and winded in an Italian 16th century style. This style is notable for its gentleness, its "singing" quality, and its colorfulness.

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Music Contributions

We invite your financial support of our music program at Christ Church. All contributions to our Concert Series, Christ Church Choir Fund, and Choral Scholar Program are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please consult a tax professional if you have questions.

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