Sacred Music
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"The treasure of sacred music is to be preserved and fostered with great care. Choirs must be diligently promoted, especially in cathedral churches; but bishops and other pastors of souls must be at pains to ensure that, whenever the sacred action is to be celebrated with song, the whole body of the faithful may be able to contribute that active participation which is rightly theirs." - Vatican Council II, Sacrosantum Concilium, n. 114
Sacred Music illuminates truth, proclaims goodness, and fosters beauty. At the Cathedral of Saint Paul, Sacred Music is an integral part of the Celebration of Eucharist. The Sacred Music department, made up of dedicated professionals and passionate volunteers of all ages, strives to worthily adorn the sacred liturgy, offer due praise to God, and to inspire the voices of the faithful to ring out in song. Whether offering hymns, chant, polyphony, or the soul-stirring sounds of the organs, the voices of centuries of tradition are not silent, nor are the voices of those who daily proclaim the sacred texts that have inspired untold numbers of saints.
You are invited to learn more about the ministry of Sacred Music at the Cathedral of Saint Paul, and to explore ways to become more involved in its mission.
- Christopher M. Ganza, Director of Sacred Music
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Sacred Music Staff
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Director of Sacred Music -
Director of Sacred Music Emeritus
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Cathedral Choir
The Cathedral Choir is the principal liturgical ensemble for both parish and Archdiocesan celebrations at the Cathedral. A 24-voice ensemble of dedicated volunteers and outstanding professionals, the choir sings for Sunday Masses and holy days, including the Christmas Midnight Mass and the Easter Triduum. Under the direction of Dr. Christopher Ganza, the Cathedral Choir offers reverent sacred music from all eras. Gregorian Propers are offered at every sung Mass. Motets, sung Psalmody, and movements of the Ordinary of the Mass draw from the finest examples of Renaissance Polyphony through music by living composers. The Cathedral Choir has recently offered the North American Premiere of two new choral works, was featured in concert for the 2023 North Central American Guild of Organists Regional Convention, and has been featured on the nationally syndicated radio program Pipedreams.
Those wishing to audition for membership in the Cathedral choir must be willing to commit to attendance at most rehearsals, held on Wednesday evenings from 7:00-9:00 p.m. and at most Masses, primarily the 10:00 a.m. Mass on Sundays from the month of September through the Feast of Corpus Christi. Please contact Dr. Christopher Ganza, the Cathedral’s Director of Sacred Music, at [email protected] to arrange an audition.
Saint Cecilia Children's Choir
Open to young singers in grades 3-8, the Saint Cecilia Children’s Choir is an ensemble dedicated to the formation in music ministry of its members. The curriculum includes work in vocal technique, music theory, ear training, and preparing the finest choral works, often in collaboration with the Cathedral Choir. The Saint Cecilia Choir ministers at Solemn Masses and Archdiocesan Liturgies during the months of September through May, rehearsing from 4:00-5:00 p.m. on Wednesday afternoons. Auditions are held in August and January, and those interested in enrolling their children are invited to contact Dr. Ganza.
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