Music at the Cathedral
2007-08 Cathedral
Classics Concert Series Schedule
The music program at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity belongs to the great Anglican Choral Tradition. That is, the finest music handed down through the centuries, a tradition founded by Pope Gregory when he had the Offices set to plainsong. Composers from all periods and places have contributed to the tradition - 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 importance of music in worship was expressed by St. Augustine when he said "He who sings, prays twice." The Choirs are a worshiping body and they continue in this regard by offering musical leadership during the Eucharist and singing the Office of Choral Evensong. In addition to regular services, the choir sings concerts and makes tours in the area and abroad. Our first England trip took place during August of 1997 when we sang for the week at Rochester Cathedral. Our second international tour took place in the summer of 2000 when the Cathedral Choirs sang as Choir-in-Residence at Exeter Cathedral, U.K. Our third tour was during the summer of 2003 when we were in residence at York Minster. We sang the services for a week at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC, in 2005. Earlier in that year the choir released its first CD "Magnificat" which features settings of the Evening Canticles from both sides of the Atlantic, as well as European Romantic organ music. The late Cardinal Hume (Archbishop of Westminster) made a wonderfully pertinent remark when defining the musical tradition at his cathedral - "There is nothing too good for God."
The Canon Precentor
Canon Russell Jackson is the Organist & Choirmaster at the cathedral and
assumed the post in June of 1993. He is a graduate of the London College of Music
and was previously the Director of Music at the Civic and County Church of All
Saints, Northampton, U.K. Under his leadership the Cathedral Choirs have made
three UK tours, as well as singing the services for a week at the National Cathedral.
In addition to directing the Cathedral Choral Society he has given organ recitals
and delivered workshops/lectures throughout much of the US eastern seaboard.
Cathedral Choir
The Cathedral Choir is made up of ladies, gentlemen, and older teens. They sing at the 10:30 AM service, Feast Days and Evensongs as announced, in addition to regular concerts at home and in other states; 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 - 9:00 PM. New members are welcome and encouraged to contact Russell Jackson regarding membership: 610-865-0727, ex. 15
Nativity Choristers
Choristers in 4th through 8th grade meet after the 10:30AM Sunday service, and
rehearse until 12:30pm. This schedule continues throughout the year.
Choristers, age 4 years through 3rd grade, meet on Tuesdays from 4:00— 4:45PM.
Please contact Becky Berkenstock, 610-798-9004, with any questions.
Cathedral Choral Society
This is a group of singers drawn from the surrounding area and community that normally performs two concerts per year. They will sing Handel's "Messiah" on Sunday, December 16, at 4:00PM in the cathedral, and rehearsals for this performance begin on Tuesday, November 6, at 7:30 in the Choir Room. Please inquire about membership from Russell Jackson: 610-865-0727, ex. 15
 The
Organ
The Cathedral possesses a magnificent new organ built by the Austin Organ Company,
Hartford, CT. It has 47 ranks spread over three manuals and pedals, and is
designed to accompany the Anglican Choral Tradition plus the major schools
of organ repertoire. It was dedicated on January 10th, 1999.
Organ Specs
Cathedral Classics
2007-2008 Concert Series Schedule
Cathedral Classics is a concert series that was inspired by our new Austin
organ that was dedicated in January of 1999.
We encourage all forms of art and wish to work in sympathy with other groups
in the community and City of Bethlehem. We hope to fill a gap that can exist
in the purely sacred or secular musical world. Music is for everyone and by
presenting these concerts we hope to provide a home for all people. We warmly
invite you to participate in all our events.
The seventh year of the Concert Series begins in November 2005. Please click
on the above link to view our new season. To become a member and supporter
of this series or to purchase tickets, please direct any inquiries to Russell
Jackson at 610-865-0727 ext. 15. Thank you.
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