Sacred Music

For nine generations Chautauquans have been gathering in the Amphitheater on Sunday evenings to join the Chautauqua Choir for the Sacred Song Services.

Sacred Music

Sacred Music is on pause for the 2021 season.

Cast in a vesper format at the close of the day and bookended by the beloved hymns "Day Is Dying in the West" and "Now the Day Is Over", these services combine the musical gifts of one of the world's largest singing congregations with the 125-voice Chautauqua Choir, all led by the 5,640 pipes of the Massey Memorial Organ.

Many styles of music from the past five hundred years are presented, and a special feature is the inclusion of scriptural and devotional readings and prayers carefully selected to reflect each week's theme. Since 1907, every Sacred Song Service has closed with the playing of "Largo" from George Frederick Handel's opera Xerxes, a beloved custom which has been a vital part of the Chautauqua Experience for many, many people over the years. All services begin at 8 p.m. and last approximately one hour.

Choir

The Chautauqua Choir has been a part of the Institution's life for many generations, providing a musical and spiritual dimension to the worship services each Sunday in the Amphitheater. Over 125 individuals participate in the choir each Sunday throughout the season, singing the finest quality of sacred music from the past as well as a diversity of styles from the present.

After the tragic passing of Jared Jacobsen, our longtime organist and coordinator of worship and sacred music, Joshua Stafford has assumed the role of Interim Organist, with the position of Choir Director yet to be determined. Rehearsals are held at the following locations:

Thursday, 6–7:45 p.m., Smith-Wilkes Hall
Friday, 6–7:45 pm, Elizabeth S. Lenna Hall
Saturday, 6–7:45 p.m., Elizabeth S. Lenna Hall
Sunday Morning Worship, 9:45 a.m., Amphitheater (for 10:45 a.m. service)
Sunday Sacred Song Service, 7 p.m., Amphitheater (for 8 p.m. service)

While no audition is required, it is expected that an individual will have some previous experience singing in a choral group. In order to participate in the choir, you must attend two of the rehearsals prior to that respective Sunday, as well as the pre-service warm up on Sundays. A gate pass for those who live off the grounds is issued to attend rehearsals. The gate pass is then valid for admission to events in the Amphitheater that evening. There is no fee charged to sing in the choir, and music is provided.

Motet Choir

The choir is comprised of experienced singers who rehearse and perform a variety of works from the rich heritage of sacred choral music of the past and a diversity of styles from the present. Singers must have a background of solo or choral singing experience with excellent vocal quality and sight reading ability. A commitment of a minimum of two weeks is required. Daily rehearsals and religious services are 8:15–10 a.m. Evening rehearsals are Tuesday 7–8 p.m. and two of three rehearsals on Thursday, Friday or Saturday evenings from 6–7:45 p.m. In addition, the choir sings for the Sunday morning and evening services.

Qualified singers receive a free gate pass for the time they sing in the choir.

Interested singers should submit a recording of a solo selection and background information of solo and choral experience. Please include week-long dates you would be available.

Send information to:
Chautauqua Institution Department of Religion
PO Box 74
Chautauqua, NY 14722-0074

For more information, contact:
Carolyn Snider
csnider@chq.org
716.357.6274