music is the soul's voice
Music engages
the mind, transforms
the heart
and awakens the
soul. It speaks for
us when we have no words. Our superb
choirs and vibrant music leaders elevate
our common life together; you will find
music at worship, parish potlucks, youth
retreats, children's Sunday School, and
throughout every aspect of life at Church
of Our Saviour.
As Episcopalians, we have a musical heritage that is one of the world's richest and most deeply spiritual. We offer a wide variety of musical styles from English Renaissance motets to multi-cultural spirituals, each dedicated to enhance worship and to speak to the heart.
our music program
We are fortunate to have
music of outstanding
quality at Our Saviour
parish. Our organ, refurbished
in 2005, is one
of the largest and most
technologically advanced pipe/digital
combination instruments in the world. Our
outstanding choir soloists, volunteer choristers
and instrumentalists perform challenging
and diverse repertoire by classical
and modern composers. Look for special
music at our worship services as well as
frequent choral, organ, orchestral, and
handbell concerts throughout the year.
check our event calendar.
Eileen Mahakian Nahigian
Endowment for Music
Offered with thanksgiving for Richard, Jolie, Natalie, and
Nicholas Nahigian
The Nahigian Endowment for Music was given generously to support the tradition of musical excellence at Church of Our Saviour. It expands our programming and provides instrumentalists for special worship services. It also has allowed us to launch an exciting composer-in-residence program.
composer-in-residence
The inaugural recipient for 2006-2008 is Kenneth Neufeld, a renowned Los Angeles-based composer of choral/vocal settings and keyboard and instrumental works. Ken also serves as one of the tenor section Leaders/Soloists in the Adult Choir and is Assistant Conductor to the Director of Music. Interested composers should apply to the Director of Music for future grants.
We are thankful to Eileen and so many others who support Music at COS with their time, their gifts, and their talents.
participate!
There are many ways to participate in our
music program: as a performer (amateurs
welcome!), as a member of our Friends of
Music support program, and, of course, as
a listener. Contact our Director of Music
for more information on how to become
involved.
email our music director
meet our music staff
Interim Organist/Choirmaster
Philip Smith
Soloists/Section Leaders, The Adult Choir
Jeanie Riddell, mezzo-soprano
Phil Gold, tenor
Kenneth Neufeld, tenor
Suzanne Anderson, soprano
-Thomas Carlyle
annual concert series
The Church of Our Saviour Concert
Series is designed to bring you the best
of classical and contemporary music
in a historic setting. Instrumental and
vocal, chamber music and choral major
works with orchestra, guest artists of
international reputation, musical theater
cabarets and outdoor jazz shows are
only examples of the many varied musical
offerings through Music at COS.
check for event calendar
Austin/Rosales/Rodgers organ
The spectacular organ at Church of Our Saviour is one of the largest and most technologically advanced pipe/digital combination instruments in the world. This versatile instrument allows all styles of solo literature to be played with authenticity and authority.
The organ was rebuilt with additions in
2005 under the project management
of Robert Tall & Associates. Great and
Positive pipework was retained from the
original Austin Pipe Organ, Opus 2469,
installed in 1967. These pipes were
refurbished, installed and revoiced by
Manuel Rosales of Rosales Organ Builders.
Rodgers Instruments, LLC, installed
the 4-manual console and digital additions.
listen to our organ
The Adult Choir
Thursdays 7:15-9:15pm
The Adult Choir is open to all with choral
experience who enjoy singing fine music
in a worshipful, dynamic, and congenial
setting. The choir rehearses weekly,
September to June, for Sunday services,
major feast days, and special concerts,
and is supported by professional soloists
and section leaders.
listen to our Adult Choir
Bel Canto Youth Ensemble
Sundays 11:45am-12:45pm
For the Bel Canto Youth Ensemble
(grades 6-12), choir festivals and singing
in church are only part of its musical
life as each chorister becomes a young
minister of music supporting one another
in music, worship, and fellowship.
Led by a professional conductor and
vocal performer, Bel Canto rehearsals
develop musicianship and vocal skills
in each participant and
sings regularly at the
10:15 worship service.
It not only is a great
social activity for young
women and men, but
also provides a unique
form of worship experience
with one's peers.
Throughout the last few
years, the ensemble has toured to New
York, the San Francisco Bay area, and
throughout southern California. They
continue to grow toward becoming one
of the première performing youth groups
in the area.
Star Chorus & Gospel Cherubs
Thursdays 3-5pm
Two fun, energetic ensembles for young choristers, The Gospel Cherubs (grades K-2) and The Star Chorus (grades 3-5), grace our parish with excellence and enthusiasm. Rehearsals include preparation of music for worship, training in basic musicianship skills, rhythm and movement, playing hand chimes and percussion instruments, and learning the great hymns and service music of our Anglican tradition.
The Gospel Cherubs meet from 3:30 to 4pm and The Star Chorus from 4:15 to 5pm. Both choirs sing regularly in the 10:15am Sunday service as well as the Christmas Eve Pageant. Each year they present an amazing annual spring musical production.
Music in the Style of Taizé
The Church of Our Saviour Contemplative Life Ministries offers Taiz� services every Saturday beginning at 5pm in Grace Chapel. For this inspirational,
meditative service a "pick-up" group of
singers and instrumentalists leads music
in an improvisational, chant-like style.
These musicians are drawn from the
parish, and the contemplative community
at large Participation in the music
leadership at the Taizé services is on a
service-by-service availability.
join the Taizé music team
Handbell Choir
Tues 6:30pm
A group of very excited parishioners
came together in the summer of 2003
to explore the art of ringing handbells.
Three energetic ensembles resulted! To
join in the fun you do not need ringing
experience nor do you need to know
how to read music. All ages from grade
9 through adult are welcome! As ensembles
fill up (11-13 ringers each), new
groups are established.
find out about joining a handbell choir
Family & Festival Choirs
To lead music at special services throughout the year, the Family Choir draws on all our choirs and their families. Children, friends and significant others of The Adult Choir, as well as parents, friends and neighbors of the Children's and Youth choirs come together to sing during the Christmas season, Easter season, and summer. The music is accessible to all and a minimal number of rehearsals are planned.
The Festival Choir comprises singers from the parish who come together within The Adult Choir rehearsal schedule to present special concerts and Evensongs. This opportunity is perfect for those who are unable to make the week-to-week commitment of The Adult Choir.
Instrumentalists
There are many opportunities for instrumentalists of all ages and experience to join our music ministry teams. Possibilities for performance include Sunday morning worship, anthem accompaniments, small ensemble concerts, services in the style of Taizé, and all-church fellowship events. Let us know who you are and what instrument(s) you play!
