Music
Music plays an important role in life at the Cathedral, just as it does in the city of St. John's. Whether it be the powerful organ, the uplifting choir, or the inspirational hymns sung from the Book of Common Praise, music at the Cathedral is sure to enhance your spiritual life.
Liturgical Music Lists (current plus the previous eleven months)
2012: January February 2011: March April May June July August September October November December
Special Services
On Palm Sunday 2010, the choir of the Kirk (St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church) joined the Cathedral Choir in the Cathedral for a special service of music composed or arranged by J.S. Bach. Here is the ordo from that service.
Organist and Choir Director
Please see the People page for a bio of David Drinkell, B.A., FRCO(CHM), ADCM, ARCM. Here he is seated at the console of the organ,
Organ
The Cathedral organ, originally built in 1904, was the only organ in Canada designed by the Englishman Robert Hope-Jones. The organ in its present form is largely the work of Casavant of St. Hyacinthe, Quebec, who rebuilt it in 1927. However, some of the pipes remain from the Hope-Jones organ. The organ has four keyboards for the hands, a pedal keyboard for the feet, 52 speaking stops, and approximately 3,600 pipes.
Choir
The Cathedral Choir sings each Sunday at 11:00 am and 6:30 pm from September to June, with limited participation during the Summer months. The Choir successfully brings all generations, cultures, and backgrounds together in harmony. The Choir has an extensive repertoire of pieces and occasionally travels to other churches in the Diocese.
The Cathedral Choir is always looking for new members! We welcome members of any church or denomination who are interested in sharing in our musical worship. The Choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm, from September to June. For more information on the Cathedral Choir, please contact the Cathedral Office.
Choral Scholarships
The Choral Scholarship program has supported dozens of students in their academic and church life. Undergraduate and secondary students are eligible for these scholarships, and are expected to attend weekly rehearsals and services.
This very important program would not exist without the constant support of many generous parishioners. We are very grateful for this support and would like to thank all those who have donated to this program through the years. If you are interested in donating to the Choral Scholarship fund, please check out our Choral Scholarship poster, or contact the Cathedral Office.
Choral Evensong
The Cathedral is one of only a few Anglican churches in Canada offer the service of Choral Evensong, held each Sunday at 6:30 pm. Choral Evensong is a tranquil way to end your week and prepare for the next.
Lunch Time Concerts
Each Wednesday from 1:15 pm until 1:45 pm, the Cathedral hosts free Organ Concerts performed by our Organist, David Drinkell. Make some time during your Lunch Hour to experience the Great Casavant Organ in our beautiful stone Cathedral. Admission is free, but donations towards the upkeep of the organ are gratefully received. On the rare occasions when the concert is not held, this information will be found on the Calendar page.
Gothic Vibrations
About four times a year, the Cathedral presents major concerts in a series called "Gothic Vibrations". Details will be posted here several weeks before the next concert.
Bach on the Rock - The Complete Organ Works of J.S. Bach
In Winter 2010 the Complete Organ Works of J.S. Bach were performed collaboratively at the Kirk (St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church) and the Cathedral, by the Organist of the Kirk, Jenny Vincent, and by Cathedral Organist David Drinkell. The programmes for the last nine concerts are here.