Music at the Cathedral

The music program at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity belongs to the Anglican Choral Tradition; that is, the finest music handed down through the centuries ranging from plainsong through polyphonists such as Victoria & Tallis, classicists like Mozart & Haydn, Stanford & Stainer from the romantic schools, through to Messiaen and Tavener in the present day, all represented at this cathedral.

The Choirs offer musical leadership during the Eucharist and sing Choral Evensong several times each term.  They also give concerts and make tours in the area and abroad.  Our first British tour took place in 1997 when we sang for the week in Northampton and at Rochester Cathedral.  Our second international tour was as Choir-in-Residence at Exeter Cathedral in 2000.  Next was a residence at York Minster in 2003.  In 2004 the choir released its first CD “Magnificat!” which featured settings of the Evening Canticles from the UK and US.  And in 2005 the choir sang the services for a week at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC.  Our most recent tour was to Ireland in 2007 when we spent a week in residence at Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin.

The Director of Music

Russell Jackson is Canon Precentor at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and an Artist-Lecturer at Moravian College.  He is a Fellow of the London College of Music, and was previously Director of Music at All Saints’ Church, Northampton, England (the Spencer Family church.)  He has given recitals at the National Cathedral, Washington DC; Girard College, Philadelphia; Princeton University Chapel, and First Congregational Church of Los Angeles (the largest church organ in the world.)  In 2001 he played in the Region III American Guild of Organists Convention, and continued sabbatical studies with Jean Guillou in Paris.  The Cathedral Choir, under his direction, released its first professional CD in 2004, spent a week in residence at the National Cathedral, and has made four European tours.

Cathedral Choir

Music List 2009-2010

The Cathedral Choir is a mixed, adult ensemble.  They sing at the 10:30AM Eucharist, Feast Days and Evensongs as announced, in addition to regular concerts at home and in other places; they even sang for a TV commercial in 2004.  A large proportion of time goes towards learning new repertoire, and rehearsals fall on Wednesday nights from 7:30 until 9:00PM.  New members are welcome and encouraged to contact Russell Jackson at 610-865-0727, ex. 15

Cathedral Choral Society

This is a group of singers drawn from the surrounding community which performs Handel’s Messiah annually (usually the Sunday before Christmas) and sometimes presents a spring concert.  Rehearsals take place on Tuesdays at 7:30 in the Choir Room.  Please inquire about membership from Russell Jackson: 610-865-0727, ex. 15

Cathedral Classics

2010-2011 Cathedral Classics Schedule

The cathedral hosts a professional concert series that includes the annual performance of Handel’s Messiah, Organ Birthday Recital and Celebrity Organ Recital.  Some past recitalists include Dame Gillian Weir, Frederick Swann, Jane Parker-Smith, and Kenneth Cowan.  We also try to include orchestral music, visiting choirs, and instrumentalists.  We have also commissioned new music and try to fill a gap that can exist in the purely sacred or secular musical world.  You are warmly invited to all of our events.

The Cathedral Organ

Austin Specification

The cathedral possesses a magnificent organ built by the Austin Organ Company in 1998, and is designed to accompany the Anglican liturgy and ably perform the major schools of organ literature.  It was dedicated on January 10, 1999.

Music Opportunities for Youth
Becky Berkenstock

Youth Chamber Choir
Becky Berkenstock, Director

Youth in grades 7 and up are invited to join the Youth Chamber Choir.  This group will sing at three Worship services during the year: Christmas Eve, Easter Sunday, and Pentecost Sunday.  Rehearsals will take place after the 10:30 am service for three weeks prior to the scheduled service, and will last approximately 45 minutes.

Celtic Jam
Ed Gamber

The Celtic Jam is an informal gathering of musicians who enjoy playing Celtic music.   All instruments suitable for Celtic music are welcome, and musicians of all abilities are welcome as well.  Many of the tunes we play are selected from The Portland Collection, Vol. I and the Waltz Book, Vol. I. but we are open to any other Celtic or like-sounding tunes so feel free to bring music to share!

The Celtic Jam generally meets two Saturdays per month, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. in Sayre Hall.  See the Cathedral Calendar for the dates for upcoming Jams.

Jazz Ensemble
Carol Yale