The Saint Mark’s Choir endeavors to give praise to God by singing the finest liturgical music at the highest possible level. Repertoire ranges from the Renaissance to the present day (sample repertoire list). Composed primarily of volunteers, the choir welcomes adults and high school-age singers who are able to make a regular commitment of time for rehearsals and services.
The choir sings for the principal Holy Eucharist each Sunday morning from September to May. The choir also provides music for numerous special services throughout the year, including services of Choral Evensong; a service of Advent Lessons and Carols in December; Christmas Eve; Ash Wednesday; and the Paschal Triduum during Holy Week (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Great Vigil of Easter).
The group periodically travels, both nationally and internationally. The choir has sung at Washington National Cathedral on several occasions and at St. Thomas Fifth Avenue in New York City. In August 2012 the group served as choir-in-residence at Worcester Cathedral in England, providing music for daily services throughout its residency week. The choir returned to England in summer 2015 to be choir-in-residence for a week at Lincoln Cathedral and again in July 2022 to be choir-in-residence for a week at Wells Cathedral.
Interested singers are invited to contact the Director of Music to arrange a meeting.
Rehearsals: Thursdays, 7:30–9:15 p.m.
Contact:
The Music Program is led by Dr. Matthew Bester, Director of Music. The Organist-Choirmaster Emeritus is Gary L. Garber. The Organist Emeritus is Dr. Michael Murray. Persons interested in participating should contact the music office at 614-486-9452, ext. 309.
Upcoming Special Events:
Solemn Choral Evensong for All Saints’ Sunday
Saint Mark’s Choir
Sunday, November 6, 2022, 4 p.m.
More Information:
For more information regarding special services and concerts at Saint Mark’s, please see the complete schedule for the 2022–2023 season of the Saint Mark’s Music Series. If you are interested in receiving periodic communications regarding the musical offerings at Saint Mark’s, we invite you to become one of our Friends of Music at Saint Mark’s.
The Special Music Fund:
The Special Music Fund supports the music ministry, including the purchase of sheet music and the hiring of instrumentalists on Easter and at other times throughout the year. Contributions are warmly appreciated. Give online.
Media:
Recordings of the choirs at Saint Mark’s, including our recent virtual choir videos, can be accessed on our Music Recordings page. A few samples from the Saint Mark’s Choir are below.
George Dyson, Magnificat in D
Recorded live during Choral Evensong at Lincoln Cathedral, England, on 31 July 2015. Matthew Bester, conductor, and Tyler W. Robertson, organist.
Herbert Sumsion, Magnificat in A
Recorded live during Choral Evensong at Lincoln Cathedral, England, on 27 July 2015. Matthew Bester, conductor, and Tyler W. Robertson, organist.
Anton Bruckner, Os justi
Recorded live during Choral Evensong at Lincoln Cathedral, England, on 28 July 2015. Matthew Bester, conductor.