Music
Martin Luther wrote, “Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.” That said, inspirational music is integral to our worship at St. Michael's. All of our worship services include hymns meant to offer praise to God by the entire congregation.
Click the headers below to learn more about music at St. Michael's.
Our Organ
Our pipe organ is built in the American Classic tradition with Gennan baroque and French influences. It is a custom-built Stephen Russell organ with 24 ranks, and is distinguished by clarity, versatility, a lively tone, careful balance and ensemble effects to which each of its voices contributes. It is responsive to the demands of a wide range of organ literature.
Our Choir
There are also opportunities for those who are interested in more active participation in the music program than congregation singing. Led by our Music Director, our volunteer adult choir serves as the primary musical leadership for our worship services and is always thrilled to welcome newcomers to its ranks. All that's required is that you like to sing!
The choir rehearses from September to June on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. and sings every Sunday morning. Our recent repertory includes music by Lutheran stalwarts Bach and Mendelssohn, as well as classic and contemporary American pieces from composers including Harry Burleigh, Gerre Hancock, and Keith Hampton. In short, we do it all: classical, folk, pop, and even a little gospel!
If you'd like to see and hear our choir in action, please click one of the following links:
Special Music Events
Because music is so cherished at St. Michael's, we seek out opportunities to host and hold special events on occasion. Our Easter and Christmas Eve Festival services feature guest soloists and instrumentalists, in addition to our strong and vibrant choir. In 2017 and 2018, we hosted the Yale Alley Cats, a world-renowned all-men a cappella singing group from Yale University, and in 2018, the internationally acclaimed St. Petersburg Piano Quartet. All concerts were open to the public.