As the mother church of the Diocese of Montreal, we at Christ Church are committed to ensuring that our music programme serves the entire diocesan population, as well as our regular members. Each year we promote a number of events to encourage people of all ages and abilities to participate in our music ministries. Whatever your background there is something for you at Christ Church and we very much hope that you will be able to attend one of our outreach sessions. Please do check back here regularly as we are often adding new and exciting outreach projects, and please contact us if you would like more information about how the Cathedral music programme can help you.
Fauré's Requiem - Sunday 5 April
Come and join the Cathedral Choir this Palm Sunday for a come and sing performance of Fauré's ever-popular Requiem. Composed in the late 1880s, the composer himself described the work as the 'perfect agnostic's Requiem', and it is almost certainly thanks to his more sympathetic and worldly treatment of the traditional text that this work has endeared itself to so many over the years. With soprano Angèle Trudeau and baritone Normand Richard, the work will be performed in a new edition by choral director David Hill for organ, harp, violin and cello. This is a wonderful opportunity to engage in some fine music-making, while also learning more about the ever-expanding list of accessible resources for smaller choirs and musical ensembles.
The rehearsal will be at 2:30pm with a liturgical performance at 4pm, broadcast live on Radio Ville Marie. As a fundraiser for our own musical development, a freewill offering will be taken at the conclusion of the performance. Scores will be available on the day or bring your own. For more information, contact the Cathedral's music department.
Pipe Dreams - May (date tbc)
Pipe Dreams follows five young organists, including our very own Assistant Organist - Nicholas Capozzoli, as they compete in Canada’s prestigious International Organ Competition (CIOC). Who will master the ‘king of instruments’ and come out victorious in Montreal? Pipe Dreams gives you an inside look into the wonderful world of competitive organ playing. From the quietest tinkling of a bell to the rumble of a locomotive… this is organ playing like you have never heard it before!
Join us at Christ Church for an exclusive screening of this extraordinary documentary, complete with a Question & Answer session with those involved in the production of the film, as well as a live organ recital. Further details will be forthcoming.
Diocesan Choirs' Festival - Sunday 21 June
Do you love choral music? Have you ever experienced the beauty of choral evensong - a service dating back to the sixteenth century? Christ Church Cathedral Choir extends an invitation to all singers in the area (and beyond) to join us for a celebration of choral music in the beauty of your cathedral. Joining choirs and singers from a wide area, this is a wonderful opportunity to sing familiar pieces alongside new works in a friendly and supportive setting as we celebrate the start of the summer holiday season. We are also delighted to be able to announce that Bishop Mary of Montreal will officiate and preach at the service. More details about the music and how to reserve your place will be available in due course.
Voices for YOUth Festival - Saturday 24 October
For years Christ Church Cathedral has supported and encouraged the development of musical talent in people of all ages, and especially children and young people. As the Cathedral seeks to breathe new life into its youth programmes, join us for a day of singing and celebration for all those aged up to 18. No musical experience or ability is required - just enthusiasm and the willingness to learn. On this free one-day event you will learn more about singing, voice production, and will have the chance to perform alongside other young people who want to make music together. You can also find out about a number of resources available to you should you wish to find out more about singing either in church or in the community. The event is also open to teachers and choir trainers who would like to know more about the Cathedral's music programme and how we can support your own musical endeavours.
