Upholding Our Rich Choral Tradition

Our music program at St. John the Divine is rooted in the Anglican choral tradition, a rich, centuries-old tradition that is alive and continues to inspire. Known globally for its distinctive sound and cultural impact, spanning music from the pre-Reformation to later English styles, it is grounded in the liturgies and texts of The Book of Common Prayer, especially those of Choral Evensong. Cathedral choirs and churches such as St. John the Divine are key to preserving and further developing this great legacy.

We have modeled the training of our choristers at SJD on that of the English cathedral choir schools and modified it to fit our needs. As such, our chorister program with over 90 students and 30 adults is thriving. Choristers in 4th grade and up sing regularly with the adults as The Choir of St. John the Divine. They sing regularly for worship and the majority of our monthly evensongs. They did a week-long residency at Salisbury Cathedral in 2024 and are scheduled for another residency at Durham Cathedral in the summer of 2027. These residencies are significant in shaping these young musicians.

We are likewise excited to host a 5-day choral workshop (February 28 – March 1) with Richard Webster, a highly sought-after composer, church musician, conductor, and organist. Webster is currently a Lecturer in the Institute of Sacred Music (ISM) at Yale University. He retired in 2022 after 17 years as Director of Music and Organist at Trinity Church, Copley Square, Boston. During 2023-24, he served as Interim Director of Music at St. Paul's Choir School, Harvard Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts. During his time at SJD, he will work with our choirs over several rehearsals and lead the choirs for worship Sunday morning (March 1), including a Choral Eucharist at 11:15 am, and concluding with evensong that afternoon. Richard’s enthusiasm is infectious, and I’m sure it will inspire our singers to new heights.

Come hear the choir led by Richard Webster!

Sunday, March 1

9 am: Rite II Service | SJD Chorale | Church
11:15 am: Choral Eucharist | SJD Choristers and Chorale | Church
5 pm: Evensong | SJD Choristers and Chorale | Church