Our choirs are the foundation of the cathedral’s music program. They offer sung reflections and prayers, a rich tapestry of sound, woven through each worship service. Choral repertoire is drawn from early plainchant to the 21st century. Whether on a Sunday morning, or special holy days such as Christmas and Easter, all are welcome to hear these beautiful musical offerings. Experiencing music in our sacred space, with its unique acoustics, soaring columns and jewel-like stained glass windows is a feast for the ears, eyes and soul.
For the most up-to-date information, please check our Facebook feed, where upcoming liturgical music is announced. Also, check out the Choir’s playlists on Spotify.
Christmas – Epiphany 2019-20 | Fall 2019 | Lent – Eastertide 2019 | Fall 2018
Lent – Eastertide 2018 | Christmas – Epiphany 2017-18 | Fall 2017
The Choir of Men and Boys
Grace Cathedral has had a men’s choir since its founding as an institution in 1906, and boys’ voices were added in 1913. The centuries-old Anglican tradition of a choir of men and boys has since blossomed here, as one of a handful of such choirs in the United States. Currently, the Grace Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys is comprised of 12 choirmen and 18 choristers. The choristers are students at Cathedral School for Boys. The Men of the Cathedral Choir are a professional ensemble.
The Choir of Men and Boys are heard at Choral Eucharist on Sundays at 11 am, and at Evensong on Thursdays at 5:30 pm. Choir rehearsal on Sundays at 10:15 am is held in the Quire and is open to visitors.
The Choir of Men and Boys perform in a series of much-loved Christmas concerts, a Christmas tradition for many here in San Francisco. In recent years, the choir has toured to Spain, Italy, and Salisbury, England.
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Cathedral Camerata
The Cathedral Camerata is a mixed-voice ensemble that sings a diverse repertoire of choral literature, from sixteenth-century motets to works of the present day. The group serves an important ministry to the community and everyone is welcome to audition. Singers should have choral experience, read music and be able to commit to regular rehearsals. Membership in the congregation is not required.
The Camerata is currently on hiatus, as the cathedral gradually regathers our many liturgies. However, we warmly welcome hearing from any prospective singers so we may keep in touch as the group eventually resumes rehearsals. Please contact the Music Department by email or at 415-749-6332.
Visiting Choirs
We warmly welcome inquiries from choirs interested in liturgical participation (that is, services, rather than concerts). Depending on your choir’s voicing, repertoire, and timing of your visit, this could include:
- Singing a 10-minute choral prelude prior to the cathedral’s principal service of Choral Eucharist, 11:00 am on Sundays
- Serving as choir-in-residence in place of the Choir of Men & Boys at Choral Eucharist on Sundays or Choral Evensong on Thursdays, particularly of interest during school vacations
- Musical collaboration with the Choir of Men & Boys at either of the above services. In this case, we welcome any opportunity for social time between the groups, as well.
For more information, please click here or contact the Music Department at [email protected] to inquire about these opportunities.
Music Department Staff
Christopher Keady
Interim Director of Music
Gabriel Fanelli
Choirmaster
Sue Crawford
Music Administrator
Christopher Pharo
AAM Gerre Hancock Intern for Sacred Music
