Music at Mediator
Worship Through Music
November 2008 - January 2009
Choral Evensong on All Saints' Sunday Afternoon
- November 2, 4:00
p.m.
The Choir will sing Evensong on All Saints' Sunday afternoon, November
2 at 4 o'clock. The music in the service will include Carl
Schalk's setting of the text from the book of Revelation "Blessed
are the dead who die in the Lord," John Barnard's Preces,
Responses and The Lord's Prayer, and the Magnificat and Nunc
dimitis by Charles Villiers Stanford. The anthem for the
evening is "Oh turn ye, turn ye, for why will ye die" by the
Connecticut born composer, Charles Ives (1874-1954). Ives, who is
considered by many to be America's greatest composer, probably composed
this work just prior to entering Yale University and while he was
organist at the Baptist Church in Danbury, Connecticut, the town in
which he was born. An interesting note: Ives, a prodigy with
parental aspirations to become a concern pianist, instead specialized
in the organ, and by age fourteen had become the youngest salaried
church organist in Connecticut. The original words and tune for
"Turn ye, turn ye" are by The Reverend Josiah Hopkins (1830)
with subscription from Ezekiel 33, v.11. Ives has altered the
text to suit his composition dated around 1891. As usual, a gala
reception will follow the Evensong in the Commons Room.
An Advent Service of Lessons and Carols -
December 7, 4:00 p.m.
This service is intended as a preparation for the Christmas
celebration. Sung in the late afternoon in our beautiful,
candle-lit nave and sanctuary, the Congregation and Choir join in
singing the hymns and carols of the season interspersed with familiar
scriptural passages of prophecy and revelation. The Advent Carol
Service has long been a favorite tradition at Mediator and in the
community.
Chancel Opera - December 14, 10:15 p.m.
AND CHRIST CAME INTO THE WORLD
Libretto by Michéle Miller Sigg, music by Susan Hulsman Bingham and
with traditional carols. This tiny chancel opera consists of
short Christmas scenes told by animals who magically speak on Christmas
Eve.
Christmas - December 24, 4:00 p.m.
A Brass Quartet, Organ and Timpani provide special holiday music and
accompany the singing of the traditional carols of Christmas by the
congregation in this Festival Family Eucharist.
December 24, 11:00 p.m.
A candle-lit nave and sanctuary and choral and organ music are
distinctive features of this Christmas Eve Choral Eucharist which
concludes after midnight with the singing of the carol "Silent
night, holy night..."
December 25, 10:00 a.m.
This Christmas Day Eucharist is elaborated with organ music by D'Aguin,
Brahms and J. S. Bach, and carols sung by the congregation.
Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols
- January 4, 10:30 a.m.
This service was first introduced many years ago at Truro Cathedral in
England and then later, at King's College Cambridge. Since then,
it has been sung there annually on Christmas Eve and through recordings
and broadcasts, it has become famous and cherished throughout the
Christian world. Traditionally, the lessons are read in a defined
order by members of the congregation holding various positions and
ending with rector or bishop. Special arrangements of appropriate
hymns, carols and anthems by the choir highlight the enfolding
Christmas story.
We welcome you to all of these services
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Rehearsal Schedule for Choir
Wednesday Evenings: 7:15 to 9:15 p.m.
(September through Mid-May)
Mediator's Choir Fall Schedule
Mediator's Choir resumes Wednesday evening rehearsals September 3, the Wednesday following the Labor Day weekend. The rehearsals begin at 7:15 p.m. and finished at approximately 9:00 or 9:15. The Choir's responsibility is to lead and inspire the congregation in its worship at the 10:15 a.m. service, prepare and sing the liturgical portions of the service that require special attention and prepare special choral music to enhance the worship experience. The Choir's repertoire includes music written over a 500 year period up to and including the present time in various styles and levels of difficulty.
In addition to our weekly services this fall, the Choir will sing the order for Morning Prayer, Rite 2 on September 21, Evensong at 4:00 p.m. on All Saints Sunday, November 2 and lead the congregation in an Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols on Sunday, December 7 in the afternoon at 4:00.
The Choir welcomes new members in all voice classifications who love to sing the great music of the church, enjoy singing in parts with others and the challenge of learning new music.
If I can be of help or answer further questions about becoming a member of the Choir, speak with me after a morning service or contact me during the week at the church phone or by e-mail at organistm@verizon.com.
Clint Miller, Organist/Choirmaster