Choral and Instrumental Music at Calvary
The Children's Choir | The Parish Choir | The Calvary Choir | Calvary Ringers
The ministry and charge of the Calvary Episcopal Church Choirs is simple: to make musical offerings during Calvary’s liturgies of the very highest standard.
In the long and venerable Anglican choral tradition, the choirs assume a leadership role in worship. Congregational participation in hymn and psalm singing, and settings of the music for Eucharist serve to expand the musical resources and increase the tapestry of offerings. The choir sings on behalf of the congregation in settings of the Communion Service or Mass, anthems, motets, and canticles. In this regard, a sacramental role is taken on by the choir as they offer their own talents in the rendering of sacred music. When a composer’s particular insight into the holy is expressed through the choir, new realms of the “Holy” are revealed.
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| The Choir, c.1902 |
Calvary Episcopal Church celebrates a long-standing tradition of musical excellence. Dr. R. Jefferson Hall was appointed in 1898 with the
charge of establishing a choir at Calvary. By 1902, the choir had grown to over 30 men, women, and boys. Dr. Adolph Steuterman, who had served as organist as a youth, was hired in 1919, and served Calvary for the next 53 years. Perhaps his most enduring contribution to Calvary and the Memphis community was the annual Messiah performance, first held on December 10, 1922. Usually held on the Second Sunday of Advent, this Calvary and Memphis tradition continues to this day. Performances of Messiah include singers and soloists from Calvary and the greater Memphis community, accompanied by members of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. (View a list of Calvary's Organist/Choirmasters.)
The Parish Choir, a group of hearty volunteers supported by four section leaders, leads music at the 9:00 a.m. liturgy each Sunday morning. During the 11:15 a.m. liturgy, the Calvary Choir, a semi-professional ensemble, offers choral music from all eras. Calvary's Children's Choir offers a musical experience for children Senior-K through 3rd grade. Children's Choir sings during the 9:00 a.m. liturgy once a month.
The Calvary Ringers, Calvary's handbell choir, offers preludes and offertories on special Sundays.