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Choral Music at St. Bartholomew's
Choral Opportunities at St. Bartholomew’s Church
St. Bartholomew’s Church has long been known for its outstanding music programs. We offer programs geared towards professional singers, volunteers and children, regardless of religious affiliation. Here you will find information on our choirs:
St. Bartholomew’s Choir, St. Bart’s Singers, and
St. Bartholomew’s Boy and Girl Choristers.
All choirs require an audition for entrance, which can be scheduled by contacting the choir director listed.
St. Bartholomew's Choir
William K. Trafka, Director
photo: Christmas 2007, courtesy of Tim Martin
St. Bartholomew’s Choir is composed of both professional singers and experienced volunteer singers. The choir sings at the 11 a.m. Sunday service throughout the year. They also sing at multiple services during Advent, Christmas, Holy Week and Easter.
During the summer, the choir is featured during the Summer Festival of Sacred Music where they perform works by Bach, Mozart, Schubert, Palestrina, and other composers.
The choir also performs as part of the Great Music concert series including the annual Joyous Christmas Concert where they have performed with the Empire Brass, Sylvia McNair and Jessye Norman. They have recorded three CD’s
O, for a thousand tongues to sing, Sing choirs of angels and
A Babe is born in Bethlehem.
Rehearsals are held at 1 p.m. on Sundays, with additional rehearsals scheduled as needed throughout the year. Candidates should possess outstanding vocal abilities, excellent sight-reading skills and knowledge of the sacred choral repertoire.
St. Bart's Singers
William K. Trafka, Director
St. Bart’s Singers is a volunteer ensemble of choral singers who sing for the 9 a.m. service each Sunday morning. The choir also sings for the annual Advent Lessons and Carols Service and sings jointly throughout the year with St. Bartholomew’s Choir. The choir’s repertoire reflects the diverse nature of the 9 a.m. service and includes traditional anthems, spirituals, folk songs and contemporary hymn arrangements. The choir’s membership includes four section leaders, professional singers who lead sectional rehearsals as part of each session.
Music Theory classes for those who want to improve their music reading abilities are held before each rehearsal.
Rehearsals occur each Thursday evening from 7p.m. to 9p.m. with theory classes offered at 6 p.m., prior to the rehearsal.
Saint Bartholomew's Boy & Girl Choristers
Paolo Bordignon, Director
CLICK ABOVE PHOTO FOR SLIDE SHOW & MORE INFO ON CHORISTERS
St. Bartholomew’s Boy & Girl Chorister program was founded in 1995 by reaching out to children and families throughout the five boroughs of New York City. The program offers free professional music training, touring opportunities, field trips, and other activities to children from grades 3 through 12. The choir has earned national recognition through performances at Carnegie Hall and Washington’s National Cathedral, as well as appearances on NBC’s Today Show, Good Morning America and The Early Show. The Choristers have recorded twice on the Pro Organo label, as well as on Atlantic Records with the Tran-Siberian Orchestra, and on Etherial records with St. Bartholomew’s Choir, and for Fuji Television, Japan. Other recent highlights include an appearance with Jessye Norman and a tour to England’s Canterbury, Salisbury, Portsmouth, and Southwark Cathedrals.
In addition to singing for the Sunday 11 a.m. Liturgy and weekly rehearsals, the Choristers perform at many special events at St. Bart’s and beyond, including concerts, trips, recording projects, and an annual late-summer choir camp. The 2007-2008 season included two performances with orchestra (with St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and the Dessoff Choirs), special performances at Advent and Christmas, St. Bartholomew’s Summer Festival of Great Music, and the Chorister Spring Concert, and more. At the annual Chorister Festival, St. Bart’s hosts children’s choirs from throughout the tri-state area for a special combined performance under the direction of a notable guest conductor.
Emphasis is placed on learning to read music in order to perform a wide range of repertoire, from chant to contemporary. Within their leadership role in liturgy, Choristers develop an active awareness of music, art, language, and history. At regular social events (choir camp, BBQs, talent shows, pizza lunches), they form new and lasting friendships with other children from a variety of backgrounds, from across New York City and beyond.
For more information:
Email William K. Trafka, Organist and Director of Music, or call 212-378-0226.
Email Paolo Bordignon, Associate Director of Music, or call 212-378-0220.
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