SATURDAY, JULY 4: ANNUAL READING OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCEat 11 a.m. in
the Churchyard. Come hear the Declaration read in the streets of New
Brunswick just as it was 233 years ago. The reading will take place in
the Revolutionary-era cemetery, accompanied by a musical and historical
program. Free Event, refreshments will be sold. This event is sponsored by the Music & Historic Fund at Christ Church. MANY THANKS TO ALL WHO HELPED MAKE OUR 2008-09 SEASON SUCH A SUCCESS.
THE 2009-10 CONCERT SEASON BEGINS IN OCTOBER. PLEASE CHECK HERE LATER THIS SUMMER FOR THE NEW CONCERT SCHEDULE.
Christ Church Organ Pipe organs have been a part of the music program of Christ Church since the eighteenth century. The parish records indicate that the church’s first pipe organ was purchased in 1788 for $100—an unusual purchase for any church at that time—and music has held a central place in the life of Christ Church ever since. The parish installed Richards, Fowkes and Company’s opus 12 mechanical action organ in 2002. The organ is one of a handful of modern, handmade musical instruments in New Jersey. Click here to see the organ.
Choral Program The first choir at Christ Church was organized in the early nineteenth century. Professional musicians have served the parish since the 1850s. A choir of men and boys was founded in 1894 and was the mainstay of the music program until the late 1970s. Christ Church now has seven choirs involving more than sixty singers. The choral program is an affiliate of the Royal School of Church Music in America. Over the years our choirs have performed with the New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra, the New England Symphonic Ensemble, and the Central Jersey Symphony Orchestra. Works have been commissioned for the choirs from Ned Rorem, Gerald Near, and John Bowen.
Parish Choir is composed of about 35 singers, four of whom are professional section leaders. Anyone who can read music is cordially invited to join. The Choir sings at the 10 a.m. Sunday Eucharist during the academic year, major Church festivals, occasional Evensongs, and special concerts. Rehearsals are Thursdays from 8 to 10 p.m. For more information, contact Mark Trautmanmusic@christchurchnewbrunswick.org.
Canticum Novum is a new, all-adult, all-volunteer choir. All adults are welcome--come with a desire for good singing and great fellowship. The Choir sings on occasion at the 10 a.m. Sunday Eucharist during the academic year, major Church festivals and occasional Evensongs. Rehearsals are Mondays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. For more information, contact Mark Trautmanmusic@christchurchnewbrunswick.org.
Youth Choir is composed of children in grades 3 through 6. This Choir leads the music at the 10 a.m. Sunday Eucharist once a month during the academic year. They occasionally lead Evensong, as well as the 4 p.m. Christmas Eucharist and the Maundy Thursday liturgy. Rehearsals are Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. For more information, contact Renata Koumendouros rkoumendouros@hotmail.com.
St. Cecilia Choir (middle and high school) is a small ensemble that sings at various services throughout the year. Their repertoire includes a variety of literature, including contemporary works. For more information, contact Mark Trautmanmusic@christchurchnewbrunswick.org.
Christ Church Schola is a small group of singers who provide leadership for the 6 p.m. Sunday Vespers liturgy during the academic year. The choir gathers for a brief rehearsal at 5:30, and sings Gregorian chant. For more information, contact Mark Trautman music@christchurchnewbrunswick.org.
Christ Church Women’s Schola is a group of singers who specialize in medieval music, including works from the Las Huelgas mss and works by Hildegarde von Bingen. The Women’s Schola sings for Vespers several times a year and occasionally for choral concerts. For more information, contact Giulia Utz admin@christchurchnewbrunswick.org.
Summer Choir is a group of volunteers who gather at 9 a.m. on Sunday mornings to learn an anthem for the 10 a.m. Eucharist. Anyone who can read music—of any age—is welcome to join us! Simply arrive in time for the rehearsal and remain for the 10 a.m. liturgy. There’s no requirement to sing every Sunday, so you can come one time or many times. For more information, contact Mark Trautmanmusic@christchurchnewbrunswick.org.
Concerts Christ Church has a fine organ and one of the finest acoustical spaces in the central New Jersey area. About forty concerts a year are presented as an outreach of the parish to the greater community. Organ recitals, choral and orchestral concerts, chamber music and more are part of our highly acclaimed programs. For more information, contact Mark Trautmanmusic@christchurchnewbrunswick.org.
