SUMMER CHORAL EVENSONG

St. Thomas Alta Vista & Holy Trinity Lascelles

Sing in an intimate chamber ensemble exploring the Anglican Evensong tradition, culminating in services at St. Thomas the Apostle Anglican Church on July 26 and Holy Trinity Lascelles Anglican Church on August 2.

The Experience

Ottawa Choral Workshops returns to Holy Trinity Lascelles in Wakefield, Quebec, for a special summer project centered on the Anglican Evensong tradition — one of the most enduring and finely balanced forms of choral music-making.

Over six rehearsals, a dress rehearsal, and two final evensong services, this workshop develops participants as a cappella singers, focusing on clarity, blend, independence, and expressive depth in a chamber ensemble setting. The project culminates in live offerings of Choral Evensong as part of Holy Trinity’s longstanding summer series.

Who This Workshop Is For

This project is designed for singers who:

have strong choral experience
are motivated to rehearse music independently
wish to develop as chamber ensemble singers
love sacred music, including anthems and hymns
are interested in a cappella and lightly accompanied repertoire
value precision, blend, and careful polish

Repertoire

God Be in My Head — John Rutter
Abendlied — Josef Rheinberger
Sing Joyfully — William Byrd
O Clap Your Hands — Orlando Gibbons*
Hymns, Canticles, Responses, and Psalms

* Included if enrollment and ensemble balance permit.

Workshop Details

Rehearsals:
Southminster United Church (air-conditioned lower hall)

Mondays: July 6, 13, 20, 27
Thursdays: July 9, 16, 23, 30

Evensong Services

Sunday, July 26 — St. Thomas the Apostle Anglican Church (Ottawa)
Sunday, August 2 — Holy Trinity Lascelles Anglican Church (Wakefield area)

Fees

$350 + HST
Full-time students (maximum age 30): $175 + HST

Reduced fees are available upon request for those for whom cost would otherwise be a barrier to participation.

Participation

Experienced adult choral singers with strong music-reading skills and an interest in chamber ensemble singing are encouraged to inquire.

Expectations

Participants will prepare independently using study aids and other home rehearsal techniques as needed.

Participants are expected to attend all rehearsals and both evensong services.