Choral EvensonG, Compline & Concerts
Choral Evensong is one of the liturgical treasures of our Anglican/Episcopal tradition. Some of the most beautiful choral music ever written was composed specifically for Evensong. Our choirs offer Choral Evensong several times throughout the year. Nearly all of the service is sung by the choir, and the congregation participates in spirit as the choir sings the beautiful prayers, psalms, canticles and anthems on their behalf.
Sung Compline is sung entirely by the Adult Choir, in a darkened church. Compline is an ancient liturgy, offering the perfect way to end a day, meditating during a time when nothing is required other than being present.
Our concert series features performances by a variety of singers, choirs, organists, and other solo/chamber instrumentalists. Previous performers have been: The Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, England; The Choir of Gloucester Cathedral; The Chamber Singers of East Carolina University; Organists Daryl Robinson, John Scott, David Flood, David Briggs, Matthew Michael Brown, Dorothy Papadakos, Andrew Scanlon, Christopher Jacobson, Douglas Major, Eric Plutz, Charles Callahan and Timothy Olsen; Violinist Brian Reagin; Violinist Natasha Korsakova with pianist Ariadna Nacianceno; Cellist Kirsten Jermé with pianist Bridget O’Leary; Violinist Niccoló Muti with chamber music players of Incontri Musicali; Pianist Solomon Eichner; Soprano Katherine Posner with pianist Margaret Singer; The Oakwood Waits; The Triangle Brass Band; The North Carolina Master Chorale Chamber Choir; and The Raleigh Flute Choir
To receive notices of upcoming concerts, as well as Evensong and Compline, simply email our Organist/Choirmaster and ask to be added to the email list.
Organ Concert
Sunday, August 30 at 3 p.m. - German Organ Mass
Organist Richard Townley plays J. S. Bach’s Clavier-Übung III, also known as the German Organ Mass. Before each chorale prelude is played, a quartet will sing the chorale in German. This substantial concert will last about one hour and 50 minutes without intermission.
Dr. Townley serves at the organist/choirmaster at St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral in Memphis, Tennessee. He was formerly music director at the Episcopal Church of the Nativity in Raleigh, as well as St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Durham.
Recognized as the longest-standing professional chamber duo in Colombia today.
In 2011, Juan Carlos Higuita and Mac McClure performed together for the first time. An event at the Conservatory of Music of the National University, in a ceremony at the Congress of the Republic, provided the opportunity for their first performance together. Since then, they have continued collaborating on projects, recordings and recitals—always enjoying themselves and bringing joy to audiences who accompany them in the United States, Canada, England, Scotland, Spain, France and Serbia—an international career always on the rise.
The program will include:
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Sonata in E-flat, K.380
Gabriela Ortiz: De cuerdas y madera
Ludwig van Beethoven: Sonata No. 7 in C minor. Op. 30, No. 2
Manuel de Falla: Selections from La vida breve and El amor brujo
Piano and Violin Concert
Sunday, October 25 at 4 p.m.
Pianist Mac McClure with violinist Juan Carlos Higuita
15TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
When they realized their shared interest in wine, ice cream and donuts, it was obvious they should play together.
After their first concert fifteen years ago, Juan Carlos decided to stop his research on altered sixth chords over a dominant pedal in the work of the Austro-Ugandan composer Walter Bide Streckholz. They play the music of eccentric, avant-garde composers with the same enthusiasm as they do music of composers who have been buried for centuries.
They have tested the quality and variety of wine. ice cream. and donuts across four continents. McClure’s interest in fairy penguin migration routes does not interfere with their shared passion for piano and violin music. They help each other: Higuita makes a great effort to help McClure overcome his allergy to Beethoven, and in return McClure plays altered sixth chords over dominant pedals in different keys. They play very well—and they know it!
They continue studying because rehearsals are the perfect time for a donut. ice cream after recording. and of course a glass of wine after a concert. Go see them—you will spend an unforgettable afternoon with inspired music, and perhaps you will hear an altered sixth chord over a dominant pedal—or even see a fairy penguin. Don’t miss it.
All Saints’ Day Choral Evensong
Sunday, November 1 at 4:30 p.m.
Organist Timothy Olsen, Kenan Professor of Organ at the UNC School of the Arts in Wiston-Salem, will play a pre-service organ concert at 4:30 p.m., followed by Choral Evensong at 5 p.m., sung by the choir of St. Michael’s.
William H. Harris: Holy is the true light . . . William H. Harris
Joanna Forbes L’Estrange: Responses
C. V. Stanford: Magnificat and Nunc dimittis in G
Paul Halley: Bring us, O Lord God
Advent/Christmas Organ Concert
Monday, December 7 at 7 p.m.
Organist Karl Zinsmeister plays music celebrating the seasons of Advent and Christmas, including works by J. S. Bach, Jean Langlais, Marcel Dupré, Johann Pachelbel, and others.