William Owen, Organist/Choirmaster
David Hearn, Assistant Organist/Choirmaster
Nadine DiLorenzo, St. Nicholas Choir Director Music is a special focus at Christ Church and is of high quality and major importance to the congregation. An 18-voice professional choir, a volunteer choir, and a youth choir participate in services on Sundays and on other occasions. Several times a year, special programs of religious music, open to the community, are offered. Andrew Lumsden, Musician in Residence – November 19, 20, & 21 Andrew Lumsden, Director of Music at Winchester Cathedral, is this year’s Musician in Residence. Mr. Lumsden trained at Winchester College, the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, and St. John’s College, Cambridge. He has held positions at Southwark Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and Lichfield Cathedral before being appointed as the Director of Music at Winchester Cathedral in 2002. Mark your calendars for the following events: - Friday, November 19
7:30 PM Organ Recital in the Church
- Saturday, November 20
10 AM to 1 PM Open Rehearsal in the Church
2 to 3 PM Lecture in Parish Hall A
- Sunday, November 21
11 AM Choral Eucharist in the Church
5 PM Evensong in the Church England 2011 - February 3-12, 2011 Join a group of parishioners on an exciting pilgrimage to England to hear some of the finest choirs in the world singing Services in some of the great Cathedrals and Collegiate Chapels there. We will depart from Christ Church on Thursday, February 3 and return on Saturday, February 12, 2011 to hear the choirs of Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Winchester Cathedral, King’s College, Cambridge, New College, Oxford, Lincoln Cathedral, York Minster, and others. Led by Ruth Kirk, Anne Gross, and Bill Owen, we will stay in London for five nights and journey to the north for three nights in the Lincoln/Peake District area. The cost is $3,000 a person, which includes airfare, hotel, buses, admissions, tours, and many meals. Please contact Anne Tatnall Gross or Bill Owen for a full itinerary and more information. Christ Church Choir The Choir of Christ Church Christiana Hundred began in 1851 when Alexis du Pont "arranged for some male singers for the choir." We know that a volunteer choir existed in 1882 and that "musical instruction was provided in the Sunday School to ensure its future success." By 1900, the choir had 20 members, including a paid quartette. The "Choir Fund" began at the time of the 1914 restoration of the church and was established by the treasurer, Henry Francis du Pont. During this time, the choir became a fully professional ensemble. The Rev. Frederick T. Ashton enlarged the group to 10 members soon after his arrival as rector in 1919. The choir flourished under Firmin Swinnen, who served as organist/choirmaster from 1925 to 1956 and Clarence Snyder, who, from 1956 to 1983, enlarged the choir to its current size of 18 singers. William Owen has served as organist/choirmaster since 1983. 
For many years, music has been especially important at Christ Church. Loved and appreciated by parishioners and people throughout the wider community, our internationally recognized program is well known for its contributiion to the advancement of Anglican music. We are pleased to announce that a new group has been formed to support this ministry: the Friends of Music at Christ Church. Please consider becoming a member of the Friends of Music today! CLICK HERE TO JOIN and receive advance notice of all special services, concerts, special events, and receptions, as well as informative and interesting anecdotes and lectures from our Organist/Choirmaster, William Owen. Christ Church Choir CDs Available
The Christ Church Choir has produced three CDs over the past few years – Christ, Mighty Savior, $15, A Festival of Lessons and Carols, $15, and Pascha Nostrum, a 2-CD set of Tenebrae and Easter Music, $25. All are available for purchase in the Church Office. St. Cecilia Choir Christ Church's volunteer choir sings at the 9:00 AM service on second, third, and fourth Sundays, on Christmas Day, and on other special occasions. They rehearse two Thursday evenings each month. All adult members of the congregation are invited to join. If you would like more information, please contact William Owen, Organist/Choirmaster, by filling out this contact form.
St. Nicholas Choir  Children in 1st grade on up may join the St. Nicholas Choir. The choir rehearses on Thursdays at 4:15 PM and sings for the 9:00 Church service on the first Sunday of every month and on special occasions such as the Christmas Pageant. If you would like more information, please contact Nadine DiLorenzo, Director, by filling out this contact form.
|
