Music
The Cathedral of Saint Paul Music Ministry focuses on the celebration of the Liturgy. Its primary purpose is to facilitate and enhance the singing of the liturgy. The entire assembly sings with one voice, assisted by choirs, cantors, organists, and other instrumentalists. The Cathedral also hosts an active concert series. The Cathedral Music Series features organ, choral and instrumental programs.
The Cathedral Organs
Read about the Cathedral of Saint Paul's historic organs. Watch videos of their inner workings and demonstrations of the beautiful music with which they fill the Cathedral. Learn more about the Cathedral Heritage Foundation's efforts to raise money to restore and maintain these grand instruments.
The Singing Assembly
Each time the Cathedral gathers to celebrate the liturgy, the entire assembly sings together with one voice and functions as the Cathedral’s primary choir. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (2002) emphasizes the importance of congregational singing:
“The Christian faithful who gather together as one to await the Lord’s coming are instructed by the Apostle Paul to sing together psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (cf. Col 3:16). Singing is the sign of the heart’s joy (cf. Acts 2:46). Thus St. Augustine says rightly, “Singing is for one who loves.” There is also the ancient proverb: “One who sings well prays twice.”
The U. S. Bishops approved a document on music and liturgy, Sing to the Lord, in November 2007. For more information on this document and the Church’s instruction relating to congregational singing, click here.
Cathedral Choir
The Cathedral Choir is the principal liturgical choir at the Cathedral of Saint Paul. An ensemble of 35 to 40 professional and volunteer musicians, the Choir sings for about 40 services per year. Between September and May, they can be heard most Sundays at the 10:00 a.m. Sunday Mass. The Cathedral Choir sings music ranging from Gregorian chant to Renaissance polyphony to music of contemporary composers.
More information on the Cathedral Choirs (PDF).
Saint Cecilia Choir
The Saint Cecilia Choir is the Cathedral's choral program for young singers (age eight and older). They meet Thursday afternoons for musical instruction and rehearsal, and sing for Sunday Mass approximately every three weeks. Previous experience, audition, and Cathedral membership are not required. The program features a strong music education component, with each chorister receiving individual attention through small-group instruction. Emphasis is placed upon developing a healthy, beautiful singing voice and the ability to read musical notation. The program uses the Voice of Life curriculum from the Royal School of Church Music.
To listen to the Cathedral Choirs, click on the following links:
Cathedral Music Series
The grandeur of the Cathedral pipe organ, the brilliance of trumpets, the lustrous sound of a fine choir, the splendor of a full symphony orchestra—all this and more awaits you at the Cathedral of Saint Paul's Music Series offerings.
Cathedral CD Recordings
A CD recording of Christmas music sung by the Cathedral Choir, “In Excelsis Gloria,” is available for purchase. For more information, click here.
“Espressivo,” a CD of music for violin and organ, with violinist Michal Sobieski and organist James Biery, was recorded at the Cathedral and released in 2008. For more information, click here.
Usher/Greeter at Concerts
Assist the Music Department and hear great concerts for free—volunteer to offer hospitality to all those attending concert events by serving as an usher.