Music at the Cathedral

Music Programs at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist

Music Notes on May Sundays

For our Cathedral Choir, the Sundays in May are full of celebrations. The first Sunday in May, May 4 (Bloomsday), is Ascension Sunday, for which the Choir will sing Everett Titcomb’s “I Will Not Leave You Comfortless.” May 18, the third Sunday, is Trinity Sunday, when we all sing such favorites as “Holy, Holy, Holy.” The Choir will sing English composer William Mathias’ “As Truly As God Is Our Father,” a setting of texts by Dame Julian of Norwich (1342-sometime after 1416.) But the real excitement for the Choir centers around May 11 (Mother’s Day), which is also Pentecost. Dr. David Asplin has written a stunning new piece for choir and organ, dedicated to our Cathedral Choir, that portrays the coming of the Holy Spirit with whispers, solo voices, and surprising new vocal techniques. We are honored by this gift, and are grateful to have David’s considerable talents in our Choir! Thank you, David!  Ascension Sunday, for which the hoir will sing Everett Titcomb’s “I Will Not Leave You Comfortless.” May 18, the third Sunday, is Trinity Sunday, when we all sing such favorites as “Holy, Holy, Holy.” The Choir will sing English composer William Mathias’ “As Truly As God Is Our Father,” a setting of texts by Dame Julian of Norwich (1342-sometime after 1416.) But the real excitement for the Choir centers around May 11 (Mother’s Day), which is also Pentecost. Dr. David Asplin has written a stunning new piece for choir and organ, dedicated to our Cathedral Choir, that portrays the coming of the Holy Spirit with whispers, solo voices, and surprising new vocal techniques. We are honored by this gift, and are grateful to have David’s considerable talents in our Choir! Thank you, David! 

Royal School of Sacred Music

Affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music, the music program at the Cathedral of St. John the evangelist consists of two vocal choirs, a handbell choir, and a tower carillon.

The Cathedral Choir

Conducted by Dr. Janet Ahrend, the Cathedral Choir sings weekly at the 11am. Sunday Choral Eucharist September through June, as well as at special festivals of the church year and Diocesan events hosted at the Cathedral. They also travel to other churches in the Diocese to join with the parish choirs for special occasions, and normally sing two or three concerts a year, sometimes with another Spokane church, as an ecumenical effort. Every now and then they sing in the Great Hall between services just for fun! The Choir's repertoire consists of music from all periods, including Gregorian and Anglican Chant, a cappella music from around the world, and cantatas, oratorios and Masses. Membership in the Choir is open to all with a minimal knowledge of music.

Rehearsals: Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m.
Contact person: Dr. Janet Ahrend, 838-4277

The Handbell Choir

The Cathedral Handbell Choir, newly formed in 1998 with the gift of three octaves of handbells from Judge and Mrs. George Shields, and then enhanced in 2003 by a fourth octave of bells, also from the Shields. The Choir rings for services approximately once a month, and at special festive occasions. They also present concerts, either along with the Cathedral Choir, or by themselves. Like the Cathedral Choir, membership is open. to all with a minimal knowledge of music. There is the possibility of the formation of a second handbell choir with a different rehearsal time.

Rehearsals: Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m.
Contact person: Dr. Janet Ahrend

The Carillon

The 49-bell tower carillon is played weekly before the Sunday 11 a.m. Eucharist by assisting carillonneur Byrl Cinnamon. A July concert series features guest artists on the Fourth of July and Thursday evenings.

Contact person: Dr. Andrea McCrady

The Children's Choir

The Children's Choir, conducted by Dr. Billie Marie Severtsen, sings weekly at the 9 a.m. Sunday Eucharist, September through early June, as well as the 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Service and Easter Sunday. They also participate in other major Cathedral events such as the Consecration of a Bishop or the Installation of a Dean. Made up of students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, the choir rehearses on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. as part of the Religious Education Program. • One of their goals is to present a cantata/music drama to the Cathedral.

Rehearsals: Sundays at 10 a.m.
Contact person: Dr. Billie Severtsen, 624-5469 or
324-7286