Longer than any other institution downtown, the Cathedral has conducted classical concerts and sacred music services—such as Choral Evensong, described below—for more than 150 years.  The Shepley Program of Music and Art carries on that tradition.

The program, the Cathedral’s ministry to the arts, is a community service as well as an education program offering music lessons to youngsters.  In the fall and the spring, the Cathedral hosts free concerts featuring local, national and international talents in the Gothic splendor of its nave.

Since 1981, the Cathedral’s Canon Precentor, William (Pat) Partridge, has shepherded the program, which is supported by funding from the Cathedral, the Regional Arts Commission and private donations.  The program bears the name of the Shepley Family, which devoted more than 50 years of service to the Cathedral.

Choral Evensong: A Great Spiritual Tradition
Soft, glowing candles…excellent, moving music…meaningful prayer…great food and drink.  For most people who have experienced Choral Evensong at Christ Church Cathedral, these are the first things that come to mind when someone mentions Evensong.

Choral Evensong—which takes place at 5 p.m. on every fourth Sunday from September through May—has been a tradition in the Anglican Church almost since the founding of the Church of England in 1534.  Although Evensong is similar to Vespers (Evening Prayer) in the Roman Catholic Church and the Lutheran churches, Evensong was originally formed by combining the Roman Catholic offices of Vespers and Compline (Night Prayer).  (In contrast to the Eucharist, both Evening Prayer and Morning Prayer [Matins] may be led by a layperson.)

Choral Evensong still incorporates two staples from the Evening and the Night Prayer offices: a different Magnificat (from Vespers) and Nunc Dimittis (from Compline) are sung by the choir at every Choral Evensong service.  Although many churches now take their services from modern prayer books, most churches that have a choir for Choral Evensong use The Book of Common Prayer for their structures and liturgy because of its musical resources.

One of the most striking qualities about Choral Evensong is its musical character.  With the exception of the readings and a few prayers, the entire service is sung by the celebrant, the choir and the congregation.  In addition, much of the beautiful music that is heard during Choral Evensong is not sung during regular services because of the unique “evening service” quality of Evensong.

We invite you to experience this rich, spiritual Anglican tradition.  Listen...sing…pray…partake in fellowship…eat and drink….

Need More Information about the Shepley Program of Music and Art?
Please contact Canon Precentor Partridge.  You may also call (314) 231-3454.